Tips for Time Management for Online Learning
Time Management Tips
Completing tasks on time and keeping track of due dates and assignments can seem overwhelming and can be especially challenging with online learning. It is easy to feel disconnected and out of control of all of the moving parts.
5 tips for time management for online learning
- Use a planner! Using a planner helps by taking our ever-growing to-do list out of our head and onto paper or an electronic device. If we try and hold things in our heads, we can get easily overwhelmed and may end up putting off important tasks. If using a planner feels like a big step, start with having a daily to-do list that you make each morning.
- For long-term assignments like projects and research papers, it can be helpful to use a wall calendar to mark due dates. Especially with online classes, due dates can seem intangible so it can be helpful to use a wall calendar to visualize time.
- Break large tasks up into smaller chunks. Typically, procrastination is the result of feeling overwhelmed by the enormity of a task or being sure of how to start. By breaking things up, it is easier to get started and make progress towards our goals.
- Keep a consistent schedule. Whether or not your courses are synchronous or asynchronous, it is important that you create a structure for yourself. This is also important for those of us who are managing multiple responsibilities at home.
- Schedule time for breaks!! Our bodies and brains need fresh air and rest. Make sure that you add time into your schedule to take a quick walk, have a meal, or just rest. One helpful tip is to use your phone to set a timer for breaks at specific intervals. It is also important to then set a time for when your break ends so that you are prompted to get back to work.