|
Time Management for the Online Learner
Time
Management: The Key to Success for Online Learners?
Your online classroom is open 24/7. That convenience is a
major advantage of online learning, but it's also a major challenge. You must
carve out adequate time to complete all of the work for your online class, and
to complete it by the deadlines established by your instructor.
Online classes are not easier than on-campus classes, and they require an equal
time commitment. For a typical 3-unit on-campus class, you'd be in class 3
hours each week, and expected to study and prepare assignments another 6 or so
hours each week. In an online class, you'll need to commit to the same 9 total
hours each week. Those can be any 9 hours that work for you, as long as they
enable you to meet the due dates for your work.
Here are some tips from past online students about how to best manage your
time to achieve your online learning goals:
- Start your course immediately. Don't get behind. Review the entire
course, and develop your plan for success. Buy your textbook early so you
can get started right away.
- Find the time of day when you work best online. You might be most
productive early in the morning, or during your lunch break at work, or late
at night. Find the time that works best for you.
- Then, "schedule" your course by blocking out specific times during the
week to do your work, and be disciplined about keeping to that schedule.
For a 3-unit class, block out about 9 hours each week. Write them on your
calendar, and stick to them.
- Log in to your course early each week. Early in the week you can see
what you'll need to accomplish for that week and modify your schedule if
necessary. You may want to print out any assignments for the week. If you
have a computer problem, you'll still be able to work on your assignments.
- Log in to your class often--at least a few times each week. You can
participate in discussions, check to see if your instructor has any new
announcements, and just stay connected with and focused on the class.
- Meet the course deadlines. In an online class, that means you should
not wait until the last minute to do your work, as computer problems, an
illness, a work crisis might cause you to miss a deadline. Make it easy on
yourself, and plan to complete your work at least one full day before the
deadline. That will give you some "breathing room" if you encounter a
problem.
- Plan ahead. If you know you'll be really busy at work next week, or
have a big presentation due in another class, or you're going on a short
vacation, start your work for the class in advance. Your instructor may
allow you to work ahead if you explain the situation.
Good time management requires advance planning, and a commitment to your
educational goals. With a plan and strong commitment, you'll succeed in your
online class.
Powerpoint Presentation on
Time Management
Time Management Presentation (457
Kb)
The following presentation provides more detailed advice about how to best
manage your time as an online student. This presentation is in Microsoft
PowerPoint. If you do not have PowerPoint, you will need to download the Microsoft
PowerPoint Viewer.
|
