A time management guide for first-time online schoolers
If you recently started online schooling, congratulations! Making the switch from conventional to online schooling isn’t easy for most parents and students. They feel hesitant about switching from the only schooling model they’ve ever known: conventional learning.
In 2022, however, online learning is rapidly gaining traction for its efficacy. Students who attend some of the most prestigious online schools, secure top grades and enjoy a healthy school-life balance.
As a first-time online learner, make sure you start building three critical soft skills: time management, responsibility and organisation. In this article, we’ll focus on the first skill. Our education specialists will talk you through three steps to manage your time exceptionally well as you attend school online. Let’s get straight into the juicy stuff!
Plan ahead
“If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail” — Benjamin Franklin
Successful online schooling is contingent on excellent planning. If you’re not too fond of planning, you’ll have to develop this skill. Planning ahead goes a long way in helping students keep their studies, extracurricular life, social life and personal life on track. We recommend downloading an academic planning app on your phone. Sync it across your tablet, laptop and computer to ensure easy, quick access. Some of our favourite school planning tools and apps are: MyHomework, iStudies, Routine Planner and School Planner.
Start planning! Lay out your schedule in advance. We recommend planning at least a week in advance. Of course, you’ll make changes along the way. However, planning ahead will help you get a good foundation and add some basic structure to your day. This is a great way to avoid wasting time and procrastinating. You’re less likely to veer off track when you have a set of tasks lined up for the day. Use your Termly Planner to assist in planning your weeks efficiently.
Most apps have an accountability feature. This lets you check off chores for the day. If there are delays or you can’t check off certain tasks, your streak will be affected. Setting up a schedule is half the battle. Sticking to it is the real legwork! You may struggle in the first few days. During this period, don’t hesitate to reach out to your Student Success Coaches for some extra encouragement and assistance.
At Think Digital Academy, we have a team of MA/MSc/PhD qualified subject matter experts to deliver learning content in the most engaging and interesting ways. As you reach out to your online tutors or Success Coaches, you’ll get the guidance, support, and insight you need to follow your schedule more closely and avoid setbacks. Remember, help is right around the corner. As long as you ask for it, it will be provided. Make the most of it!
Minimise distractions in your space
It’s 2022. We’re bombarded with one distraction after the other: Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, Fortnite, etc. The list goes on. As an online student, make sure you take control and reduce as many distractions as possible. This isn’t easy. However, it’s definitely doable. Start with physical distractions.
If you’re viewing your classes in your bedroom, make sure your space doesn’t include any distractions you’d feel compelled to reach for mid-lesson. The best approach is to set up your study station elsewhere.
We recommend setting up a study room. You can control what goes in this room, which is slightly tricky to achieve when you attend online school in your bedroom. You can’t possibly get rid of every distraction from your bedroom. However, your study space should be focused and minimal for the most part.
Make sure there are no gadgets, games, or non-academic books in sight (novels, etc.). Your study space should only include school-related items (books, stationery, essentials for lesson activities, etc.). As you reduce distractions, you’ll notice an increase in your overall focus and productivity levels.
Switch to a reputable online school
Time management is a difficult skill to master on your own, especially if you’re a young student. At Think Digital Academy we provide you with some great time management tools such as a Termly Planner (which provides a breakdown of all the lessons that should be completed each term) to help students hone their skills. Switching to a reputable online school is a great way to get help with a skill that you’re struggling to develop independently.
We also provide our students with access to a vast online library of educational resources such as videos, readers, textbooks, study guides, worksheets, activities and more.
Keeping the lessons fun and engaging boosts knowledge absorption and retention, and performance.
If you’re ready to start making the switch, explore our FREE two week trial.
It’s time to start securing a better, brighter future.
