Time Management for Online Learning

Plan your daily activities ahead of time; set up space for you to work comfortably; block out distractions, and get a good night's sleep.

1. Plan Ahead

Your daily activities, combined with daily distractions, can quickly get in the way of completing your lessons and assignments. The best online students know how to set aside time to focus. Use a calendar to plan your daily and weekly tasks, highlighting:

  • Assignments due, including drafts and final submissions
  • Activities related to our program, field trips, Teach Squad meetups or events
  • 1-on-1 meetings and online classes.

2. Don’t Multitask

Avoid multitasking; trying to do many things at once is not productive. Focus on one assignment at a time; whether that’s studying for an exam, reading a book, emailing a teacher, or participating in an online class. Arrange your tasks in order of importance and pay attention to the ones that require the most effort.

If you need help staying focused, then consider creating lists to help organize tasks. You can write a traditional to-do list.

3. Set Up Your Virtual Space

Whether you study at home, study lounge, or library, it’s essential to work in the best setting needed to complete your work. Make sure there’s high-speed internet, and that you’re in a comfortable space with the right lighting, sound, and background. For example, some people prefer to work with headphones on, while others prefer silence or moderate background music. Sit in a comfortable chair, and make sure the lighting isn’t too dim. Closeout your browser windows, and put your phone away.

4. Block Out Distractions

Make sure to avoid surfing the web excessively. It’s easy to become distracted by the news or your favorite celebrity gossip site. Stay focused and avoid social media when you need to concentrate on your studies.

5. Reward Yourself

It’s important to reward yourself after a job well done! Once you have completed assignments, take a break, have a snack, or reward yourself with something you like.

6. Get a Good Night’s Sleep

Sleep is essential to rest your body and keep your mind fresh for the next day. Try to get seven to eight hours of rest a night. Pulling all-nighters is less productive than studying consistently. Include sleep in your schedule, and you can reap huge rewards.