Article #13: Master your time management skills for online learning
Whether you have willingly chosen to do an online course or you do not have a choice because the university doors are still closed to campuses due to the pandemic, your study life is tied up to the cyber world. Nonetheless, it is undeniable that distance learning has several advantages as it offers flexibility, self-motivation, self-paced learning, development of new technical skills and virtual communication skills and so on.
Adjusting to onscreen studying while balancing your personal life can be quite challenging and hectic. The absence of the camaraderie of a class can be demotivating for digital education and therefore being able to manage your time wisely will guide you to be on track.
Here are some strategies to pave your way:
Plan ahead and plan well
Having a ground plan for your studies is crucial to achieve great success in academic life. An effective study plan at the beginning of the semester can help manage your time well, increase efficiency, reduce stress and these ultimately will enable you to get better score.
Create a routine and work consistently throughout the semester. To do so, first consider getting a calendar; you can get the traditional ones e.g. table/wall calendar or rely on the digital versions such as Google calendar. Highlight all the important dates such as deadlines for assignments including drafts, study group meetings or appointments with lecturers etc. Also, make sure to provide enough time to lay out your readings or research.
Be specific about short-term and long-term plans. Having short-term goals will stimulate your motivation, help you stay focused and boost your productivity.
Create a virtual study placeAlthough the choice of studying online bestows us with considerable flexibility to work from anywhere, having a steady place for your virtual learning will take you a long way. Whether it is your dining table or your balcony, a library or a local café, a designated workspace will support you maintain regularity, keep organised and thus provide better output.
Focus on the physical set up and the environment of the place; check if it is well-lit, spacious, free from noise and whether you have a comfortable chair but most importantly, a high-speed internet connection. Along with these, make sure you have other necessary materials such as textbooks, lecture notes, your note book, stationary, headphones, webcams etc.
Avoid distraction Thanks to the current technology- these days we have more ways than ever to be distracted easily when studying- social media, streaming videos, messengers and what not! A fundamental time management skill is to be aware of what distracts you and then to be able to develop the determination to avoid those disruptions. Although it can be very tempting to check your messages as soon as you hear that ‘beep’ ‘beep’ sound, there is a very high chance of losing the focus if you do so.
Before you start working, turn off the notification alerts or put the phone on silent mode or even better, put it away. Similarly, avoid browsing the internet unnecessarily or keep aloof from having too many sites open when working on your important assignment or attending an online class. Messages and emails can be read and answered later, it is important to set apart your study related tasks.
Forget about multitasking!You might be quite good at doing innumerable things at the same time but it does not actually benefit when it comes to your studies. Our brains, in fact, are not built for this since we are unable to shift our focus from one thing to another without losing the attention.
Whether you need to write an assignment, study for an exam, read a textbook, prepare for a presentation or take part in a virtual discussion, try to concentrate on one task at a time. Some onscreen tools such as Smartsheet, Notepad, Todoist, Evernote etc. can help you create a list or organise your work.
Finally, try to set your priorities and concentrate on what needs to be done at present. If you have already created a calendar, you can go by your submission dates or other deadlines.
Take a breakBreaks in the work routine is essential while you are spending hours in front of the screen. Taking regular breaks can lessen pressure, improve physical and mental health, enhance performance and creativity.
However, choosing the right activity for your break is also necessary so that you can get back to your studies refreshed and rejuvenated without wasting much time. Aim for a short 5-10 minutes break rather than going for long ones. Go for a short walk, have a nutritious snack or drink, stretch your body, tidy up, take a quick shower or meditate. Be aware of activities such as watching tv, surfing the web or being on social media which can rather shift your attention from your work and ruin your motivation.
Pursuing virtual education can be demanding and may require continual commitments but these can be largely met by deploying efficient time management skills. For better achievement, maximise the benefit of autonomy and flexibility that online learning offers and make them fit in your own learning style.
Contributed byFarzana Kazem