Taking online education classes can give you a lot of freedom, but you must remember that you are still taking a class, which means you still have to take time to do the work. To keep you on the straight and narrow to successfully completing a course online requires even more time management than taking a traditional class. Why is that? When you take a traditional class, there is a time allotted to be in a particular place at a particular time. It automatically goes into your schedule. When you take an online course, you have the freedom to decide where and when you “go” to class. It’s precisely that freedom that can get you into trouble.

How do you avoid the stress of impending deadlines? A few time management tips can help you stay on track even when it seems like you’re on a roller coaster. Take it from me, I’ve been there. Just follow even a couple of these tips, and you’ll find that you’re more productive and less stressed:

• Start Early
• Make a Date
• Seal the Deal
• Avoid the Traps
• Reap the Rewards

Start Early
First, working ahead is always preferable to catch up, so access the course room as soon as you can and get the syllabus and/or course requirements. If possible, make sure that any printed textbooks are ordered well in advance of class so that you can look over the material, and maybe even read ahead.

Make a Date
Once you know what the requirements are, get a calendar…any calendar. You can use an old-fashioned desk blotter, a wall calendar, or go techno and use Microsoft Outlook. Use one calendar for all your classes to eliminate possible conflicts. Next, put all of your deadlines on the calendar. With Microsoft Outlook you can even set reminders to let you know when tasks are due. Break down larger assignments into smaller tasks and put those on the calendar as well so that you don’t feel overwhelmed.

Seal the Deal
Next, make sure you set aside time in your schedule to actually do the work and access the classroom or you’ll find yourself procrastinating yourself into a corner. It could be at night after the kids or spouse is asleep, or it could be at 5 a.m. when all your Face-Book friends are still snoozing. You might even work on your lunch hour. It doesn’t matter when you do your homework; that’s the beauty of taking classes online.

Avoid the Traps
Finally, avoid time wasters. You know what I mean, things like Face-Book, e-mail, and You-Tube. I’ve lost many an hour to Farmville and mindless surfing on the internet. Do your assignments first, and then you can play all you want guilt free.

Reap the Rewards
If you follow even one of these tips, you will save yourself from some serious stress. Who knows…you might even get better grades.

Summary
Time management is about making the most of your time. Start early, make a date, seal the deal, avoid the traps, and reap the rewards. Follow these tips, and you will have more time to do the things that make you happy.

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