Time Management for Online Classes

At first glance, online classes seem like they will be much easier than going to a traditional classroom to earn your degree. After all, a class online means getting to do your homework in your bunny slippers without ever leaving home, right?

The reality is that most online classes are intensive and required extreme time management due to their compact nature. Instead of having twelve or sixteen weeks to learn that there is to know, online courses pack a huge amount of knowledge into a very short time, often as little as five weeks. Getting a day behind in your online classes is tough to catch up, lose a week and suddenly it can be hard to pass. The keys to successful completion of online courses are dedication and time management.

Attendance and postings

Many online classes take attendance via your class participation. This is also an important part of the learning environment, allowing for the exchange of ideas like you might find in a traditional classroom. But in an online setting, the discussions come in the form of threads on a forum or discussion board. Often, the professor starts the discussion via weekly discussion questions, but one of the biggest mistakes you can make in an online class is to wait until the day the discussion is due to read the boards.

Instead, try to set aside time every day to spend half an hour or more reviewing assignments and discussions on the college class site. Even if you are not ready to make your initial post to the question yet, the one that requires having read the class materials, make a habit of reading through the reads. Often, they will clarify confusing parts of the textbook. Other students may have the same questions you do. The more active you are in the discussion boards, the more your professor will learn your name. Sometimes, if a grade is on the edge between an A and a B or a B and a C, the professor will be more likely to give you that extra point or two if you are participating. You might learn something as well.

Equally importantly, if your professor sees you participating and then you have a true emergency, the professor will know that you were working at the class and potentially be more understanding.

Term papers, case studies, and projects

In addition to the discussion posts, many online courses will also require students to complete term papers or case studies pertinent to the subject matter. Many also require a group project. With the shortened time frame to complete this work, it is important that you start the research for your term paper as soon as possible. Within the first week of class you should be identifying sources and developing a thesis statement.

Likewise, if you have a case study to complete or a group project as part of the final grade for the class, starting early to accomplish your portion of the task is very important. Often professors assign a group project one week and expect you to complete a final term paper for the class the following week. Working ahead can save you from late nights and angry group members as you rush to finish your project. Divide the project into small pieces and get started right away. Waiting until week three to start your term paper is a good way to spend the next two weeks chained to your computer.

Ultimately, planning for an online course is like planning for anything else. Slow and steady gets it done on time and with a lot less headache.