Special Challenges of Managing Time with Online Courses
I’ve already singled out in an earlier blog what I’ve found both in my own studies and with students I’ve taught and coached, and that is Time Management.
Not to repeat myself.
Okay, I have to repeat myself.
All the other skills involved in academic, workplace and personal goal attainment are important–executive function, metacognition, memory, study techniques, writing skills, negotiating with colleagues, profs and bosses, test taking, giving presentations, etc. These skills are especially important during times of ongoing change and uncertainty, but without time management they are easy to get forgotten. If you can master time management now, this is a skill that will benefit you for life as it applies to so many professions, not just school. Think of a profession that doesn’t need time management? I dare you! Ask any CEO of a major corporation if they would succeed without it.
So how is time management the same, and different for online course work? Time management tools? It doesn’t matter whether your tools are electronic or paper, by the way. Maybe your campus has an online system. Online calendars such as Google may make it easier to coordinate with people on group projects. A lot of people are going back to paper because it just feels right for them. Whatever is comfortable for you, is readily accessible, and gets looked at and updated daily is what to use. Keep it simple, and if you use paper, use pencil to make changes easy.
Where to begin. When I work with students whether they are taking physically present or online courses, at least ninety per cent of the time I start with making a semester planner (or calendar) as early as possible for budgeting time. Yes there are the “moans” and “groans” but when sticking to something like this I have yet to hear a student say “I really wish I didn’t manage my time better.” So I encourage you to make use of even a basic calendar to help with self-accountability. And don’t get me wrong, it’s easier said than done. If you have a hard time getting started with something like this, have a “virtual planning coffee” with someone in your class where you make this a project to complement what you are doing. The semester planner keeps the wrong kind of surprises from happening.
Next, you need a day planner (electronic or paper). And a to-do list. These keep the burden off constant memory load, so you can devote your memory-recall time to items that might be on the exam.
These three tools work by getting into two habits: writing it down, and reviewing every day.
Write it down. In class, in a ZOOM meeting, if the prof changes a due date, do what is quickest–either write it down in your day planner, or on your to-do list. If a classmate texts you about something to look up for a group project, write it down on your to-do list–with the date if you promised when to have it done. If an Interesting Person texts for a virtual coffee, write it down in your to-do list to set it up. When the exam schedule shows up online, write it down on your semester planner, and your day planner.
After class, scan your eyes over any changes to your calendar or to-do-list.
The second habit is a little harder to maintain, and that is the habit of reviewing every day. I’ll share more pointers on that next post, in the meantime, if you don’t already have the term planner, a day planner, and a to-do list, browse around. Try out the apps, the online ones. Grab a cheap notebook and pencil for the to-do list trial. You might find yourself finetuning the tools to suit your particular situation and style, for example, keeping separate to-do lists for personal, school, and work.
So far, there is not much difference in managing time regardless of mode of delivery. Let me know if any time-management challenges you have found with online courses: [email protected] )