Effective Virtual Learning: Tips for Time Management

Online learning has developed as a necessity in recent times, and rather as a savior too during the worldwide Covid pandemic. You need no introduction to the advantages of online learning and how it holds the potential for people’s growth.

But everything good comes at a price. Online learning takes away the discipline and structure we find in traditional classroom education. The world has adapted to the ‘new normal’ in various ways. Along this line, let us learn a few ways to manage time and optimize online learning. Read on:

Plan Long & Short term

Take some time out to contemplate your long term goals. Have a strong reason to pursue them so that little temptations don’t get the better of you.

Next, see the actions you need to take to achieve the goal. Break down the action into small doable steps that are time-bound. This way you can move from a year to a month, to a week and then to a day!

Use Organization Tools

Creating a to-do list is an art. Successful people never keep more than 3-4 main tasks to accomplish in a day. This helps in better focus. Dump all the things you need to do on a piece of paper and choose as a priority only 3-4 tasks in a day. The rest you can do in your free time.

You can use phone apps like Trello and Evernote to organize your day too.

Set Up Official-like Environment

When you are sitting to study, the worst thing to bother is not having your supplies ready. Take out some time to ensure you have essentials like

·         A good internet connection

·         A working computer or mobile device to study from. Do repairs if needed.

·         Correct software installed as needed to study

·         Supplies of things like paper, pens, etc

·         Proper lighting and sitting arrangement

·         Water or snacks or some healthy food

T    Take Online Classes As Seriously As Classroom Study

We do well in face-to-face classes because we take them seriously and have to maintain the discipline of time and attendance. Treat your online classes like that too. The difference- you be your own judge to decide what time you would study. Take short breaks between sessions to assimilate what you learned.

One Activity at a Time

Multitasking is a sin in the long term. You may fall flat of exhaustion and confusion from mixing things up. Take one thing at a time and move to the next after finishing it.

Set Time Aside for Rest & Recreation

Good sleep and some recreational activities like listening to music, having a good chat with friends, and 'Netflix & chill' are energizing. Make sure you include them in your schedule and stick to it.

When you know you have set aside time for them, you are less likely to crave enjoyment and sleep in between studying.

All being said, managing your time is a life-long activity and may take some time to become natural. Also, not all tips suit every person perfectly. May you use your time in a way that brings your joy in the long term!