Productivity

How to Manage Your Time When Studying Online

How to Manage Your Time When Studying Online
Online courses can be tricky to navigate; they are typically easy to complete successfully, but even easier to forget that you enrolled in one when life throws you hardballs. Our tutors at Wize are committed to helping you get the most out of your online experience by offering you toolkits to better prepare you for university. Follow along as we list the best ways to manage your time while taking an online course.

1. Design a Work Space of Your Own
    Designing a harmonious work space can improve your focus, productivity, and the overall enjoyment of your work. 
    When building your work station, consider your chair height and comfort, lighting and potential distractions. Strive 
    for a minimalist design, hiding wires and unnecessary junk that can divert your focus from the task at hand. There are 
    hundreds of DIY desk creations on YouTube, but I’ll link you to two of my favourites. Just click here and here. 

2. Know Your Learning Style
    Knowing yourself is an important step in figuring out the best location you are most productive and comfortable in. 
    Do you require a quiet space, or do you need background noise in order to get work done? Are you someone who 
    starts working early in the morning or do you prefer burning the midnight oil? Can you work in groups or do you 
    need to be alone with your thoughts? Ask yourself these questions before you embark on an online study session to 
    ensure you can be focused and ready to work.

3. Set Goals
    Keeping your goals clear, measurable and realistic is a sure-fire way to manage your online class. Set a few S.M.A.R.T. 
    goals for yourself that will maintain your focus over a 15-week semester.

    Specific: Set a specific goal e.g. “read module 3 and answer the subsequent questions by Wednesday”.

    Measurable: By the end of the week, ensure that you can recite basic principles of _____

    Achievable: Goals should challenge you, but don’t make them out of reach. As you start mastering your online 
    course, set harder goals for yourself to measure your progress.

    Relevant: Ensure your goal matters to you. Make sure you look at the bigger picture of how this goal may get you 
    to where you ultimately want to be. This will keep you motivated to achieve it. 

    Timely: Employ timelines so that your goals have a concrete due date. This doesn’t necessarily have to follow 
    course deadlines, but rather your personal schedule and what you think is achievable.

4. Make a Schedule and Stick to it
    There are two types of university students: those who don’t put nearly enough work in, and those who go above and 
    beyond what is required of them. Strive for somewhere in the middle this semester by making a detailed schedule 
    outlining how many hours a week you will spend on a single course. Most online courses require 2 to 3 hours per 
    week, so don’t over exert yourself. Schedule a couple of extra hours during exam weeks and maybe reduce your work 
    load to accommodate a social life. The key here is to know all your syllabi well and create balance!


Online learning has revolutionized the university experience! We, as students, rejoice in our pyjamas as we watch our lectures from the comfort of our beds. But we must remember that they are still courses like any other and require focus, patience and commitment.


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