Time Management for Online Learning

One of the biggest stumbling blocks student seem to have in getting the most from their online courses is having the time to get it all done. My classmates frequently kid me that since I am retired I must have all the time in the world to do the work. I tell them that, like them, I have a life outside of the classroom and multiple demands on my time (OK - so maybe CSI is not the same as their kids little league games, but, hey, it's important to me!)

So how do I do it? How can you find the time to get your work done? The answer is simple - make the time!

If you had signed up for a class in a classroom you would have a commitment of an hour or so a few times a week for learning and applying what you have learned. Why should learning online be any different?

Set aside time, about 8 hours a week to start with. That works out to just over an hour a day. Pick a time each day that will be your class time. Can't commit time to each day? Then pick two or three days a week when you can commit a few hours.

When your appointed time rolls around, sit down at your computer and learn! How you spend that time is up to you - what ever works best for you - and I'll address that more in my next post.

If you feel completely unmotivated to work when your time rolls around, then promise yourself to spend at least 15 minutes - you can do anything for 15 minutes - according to Fly Lady. For those 15 minutes, log into your class. Read any comments your instructor wrote to you about your last completed assignment. Read any posts by your classmates and respond if you find you have something to add. Check out any new lessons that have posted. You may find something that really interests you!

And that is how I do it! A little at a time each day. And I find I have more than enough time to not only complete the work for the class, but explore beyond what the class covers.

If you have questions about course time management or any aspect of being an online student, please let me know!

posted by Peabody McGillicutty @ 9:18 AM