TIME MANAGEMENT TOOLS
The time management tools and resources will assist you
with both technical and academic needs during your Distance Learning experience.
Technical instructions are provided in both Web (HTML) and Rich Text (RTF)
formats. If you want to print the instructions, click on the RTF version,
save it on your computer, then launch the file and print it.
We welcome your input in updating the list and include
additional tools you may need help with. Please e-mail
the Distance Learning program and let us know what other tools or resources
you would like us to include here.
Use the Time Monitor (or Time Journal) to analyze how you use your time and to record your planned activities for a day. Throughout the day, write down what you actually do and compare the two. Continue this process for three or four days and then analyze the results. This way you could see that you spend some of your time efficiently and some inefficiently; this information can help you change and stop wasting time!Download Time Monitor form
(This is a PDF file; Use Adobe Acrobat to open it)
Managing your time is extremely important to succeed in your online course. It is easy to procrastinate. Access the procrastination page to learn how various time management tools could help you avoid or overcome procrastination.
Each of the features in this category (menu on the left) includes a document that you can use to manage your time effectively. Access each item and click on its link to download the tool, then fill it out and use it to manage your time throughout your distance learning experience.
One way to organize each day more effectively is to create a daily “To Do” list, using the ABC priority method. There are three steps in the process of designing a “To Do” list:
1. To start, simply list all the activities you need to do or would like to accomplish that day.
2. Then, assign priorities to the items you’ve listed, placing an “A” next to each activity you consider most important to accomplish that day; a “B” next to important, but not crucial, items; and a “C” next to the least important ones.
3. Finally, look over your hectic schedule for the day and then assign specific times during which you will complete the “A” tasks (only do this for the “A”’s). This will help you to stay on task and get those most important tasks completed. As the day progresses, check your list occasionally and mark off items as you accomplish them. Create a new list for the next day, including the unfinished tasks plus any new ones that come up.Download Daily To Do List form
(This is a PDF file; Use Adobe Acrobat to open it)
Creating a monthly planner will allow you to have a long-range view of your goals and provide you with a way of breaking down larger projects into more manageable steps. You will also have a method of keeping track of your accomplishments.A monthly planner is helpful for developing a long-range view of such things as upcoming tests, quizzes, and project due dates. A monthly planner tells you at one glance what’s coming up so you never have any surprises.
Download Monthly Planner form
(This is a PDF file; Use Adobe Acrobat to open it)
Listing outstanding assignments is a first step in gaining control and frequently helps procrastinators to find a starting point.Download Outstanding Assignment form
(This is a PDF file; Use Adobe Acrobat to open it)
Using a Time Management Schedule can help
you to organize your schedule to effectively prepare for weekly tasks. For example, if you have a project due next week, you can set aside time to accomplish the task by scheduling small amounts of time consistently during the week. Planning in this way enables you to keep better track of your time and prevents deadlines from sneaking up on you.Download a Time Management Schedule sample.
Download Time Management Schedule form
(This is a PDF file; Use Adobe Acrobat to open it)