A year ago you probably didn't imagine going to school during a global pandemic, but that is where we find ourselves at this point in time. With face-to-face courses, part of your school schedule is decided for you by the dedicated course times; you determine when to complete your homework and studying. With online courses, unless your instructor has dedicated meeting times, you set your schedule for all of it.

An important strategy for success is to create a daily or weekly schedule of when you plan to work on your course work. Everyone is different as to when and where it works best for them and we all have different situations at home. Perhaps you live at home with your family and are sharing a device or perhaps you have children you need to assist in their education. Pick a time where you can be successful and stick to it. And don't be afraid to reevaluate your plan and adjust as needed if it's not working as you envisioned.

To help in creating a schedule, make a list of daily tasks you need to complete, such as finishing assignments, studying, contacting instructors, and completing projects. This will keep you mindful of what you need to do and help you to set aside enough time to work on it. Keep in mind that general recommendations include spending about 3 hours total per week per credit hour, including class sessions, course work, and studying. Again, everyone has their own unique situation and you will have to create this schedule based on your needs.

Where and how you document your daily schedule is up to you and what works best for your personal style. There are several options out there, including daily planner templates you can download for free and print at home and daily planner books you can buy online or in-store.

There are also several time management apps that may be useful. One successful time management technique, time blocking, allows you to schedule and plan specific work and activities for defined time slots, down to the minute. This strategy is proven to help people be more successful and maximize their focus.

Don't forget to set up a dedicated study space. Determine a quiet study place, and schedule time where you won't be distracted and can concentrate on your assignments. This might be early in the morning or late in the evening, but it should be a time that your mind is clear and ready to concentrate! I know this can seem impossible when multiple people in your household are trying to get through this pandemic, but it will help you stay concentrated on your studies.

Helpful tip: Give yourself at least a 10-minute break after completing each task. Remember to stay active by getting up once an hour to walk around and stretch.

Did You Know?

If you don't want another app to open or another piece of paper to keep track of, you can use the Calendar feature in Canvas. In fact, you can add your own 'to-do' item. Additionally, the Teaching & Learning Center (TLC) has a Student Weekly Schedule template available to download under the Study Student Planning section on their website.