Of all the skills needed for academic success, time management is definitely one of the most important. Even the strongest of students will struggle with school performance if they can’t effectively manage their time, especially in a virtual charter school environment. And with consequences like missed deadlines, unfinished tests, and poor grades, it’s important to be aware of the best time management tips for students so that you can support your child through their online schooling.
Below, we’re sharing some tried-and-true time management strategies for virtual students, with helpful advice that anyone can use to get a better handle on their days.
Why Poor Time Management in Online Learning Happens
Before we turn to time management tips, it’s important to understand why students in virtual charter schools may struggle with this skill.
Though virtual charters offer varying degrees of asynchronous learning opportunities, almost all online students are given the ability to work at their own pace. Developing this skill is one of the biggest benefits of online schooling, and goes a long way toward ensuring future career readiness.
To master self-paced work, however, students must be able to manage their time. And this gets tricky when you factor in at-home distractions like video games, social media, and siblings.
The solution: active time management tools for students designed around the realities of online schooling. The more students practice these strategies, the easier it will be to stay on track – even with distractions around.
Online Learning Time Management Tips
Help students take control of their days with these top time management tips for students in virtual charter schools.
- Create a designated work space. Students should have a designated space for focusing on schoolwork. Use this space only for school, and try to find a spot that’s as distraction-free as possible.
- Set a routine. Rather than having students do school work only when they feel like it, set out a routine that clearly designates times for school and times for relaxation and play.
- Find the right tools. There are lots of time management tools for students out there, including physical and digital planners, note taking apps, and assignment trackers. Find the ones that work for your student so they can stay organized and informed.
- Tune out noise. Many online students prefer to wear noise-canceling headphones when working, or to listen to ambient white or brown noise. This helps limit disruptions and promotes consistent focus.
- Discourage multitasking. It’s better to give your full attention to one thing than to divide your attention among multiple things. Make sure students focus on one task at a time while also encouraging breaks when needed.
- Be reasonable. Set realistic expectations based on a student’s personal habits and preferences. So long as everything gets done on time, it’s okay if they work a bit untraditionally.
At PA Distance Learning, we’re dedicated to helping all students thrive. Our virtual charter school prioritizes high-quality education and innovative techniques, offering individualized support to make sure that students succeed in the virtual classroom.
Contact us today for more information on enrollment and curriculum, and discover the many advantages of self-paced online learning.