Distance Learning: Time Management Skills

While there are many advantages to pursuing post-secondary education through distance learning, be it trades skills upgrades, a bachelor or master's degree, students pursuing such independent study need to be skilled at organization and time management.

Distance learning can take many forms, from traditional correspondence programs to online universities and colleges, and there seem to be countless formats, styles and programs of study. Despite this variety, however, one thing remains the same – as students do not attend classes in classrooms, and indeed are often left with only the barest outline and suggested timeline, they need to be more disciplined than those who study at brick and mortar schools in order to not fall behind.

Students who are able to not only design, but more importantly, follow a schedule of study, stand a very good chance of succeeding at distance learning. Those who procrastinate, or get distracted easily may find distance learning to be a far greater challenge. Some students work well independently, but others can quickly fall behind and find it difficult to catch up. Assignments are often cumulative, in that they are based on material previously learned, so it is challenging to miss an assignment, or several, and then try to work on the current material.

Some distance learning providers provide a fairly rigid schedule, and some have regular class meetings via teleconference or another form of technology, there are other programs that provide nothing more than suggested deadlines along with final dates for all work and exams. Students are expected to stay on top of their work and to hand assignments in in a timely manner. The onus of scheduling and staying on track falls squarely on the student.

Start with the class syllabus, and look carefully at all the assignments and due dates, including those for reading. Reading is likely the primary way that information is being passed, as there are rarely lectures, even virtual, for the distance learner to attend. Create a schedule, and commit it to paper, then follow it carefully. It is vital to leave enough room for studying, reading revising and completing assignments, and it is a good idea to leave some space in the schedule to allow for unexpected events or occurrences.

By creating and staying on a schedule, success through distance learning is highly likely.

By: Jon Ginsburg

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