Time Management for Online Writing Courses
Tips on Creating a Workable Writing Timetable for Distance Learning
Oct 17, 2009
No single time management strategy suits everyone. Some people love organising their time down to the last 15-minute segment. Others block off two evenings a week for writing, cross their fingers, and hope for the best.
The following suggestions for time management are flexible enough to work for most people undertaking a distance learning course. The first section suggests a broad approach for those who are able to put course work first. The second presents ideas for those who have very little spare time to do an online course, but are still keen to complete it.
1. Put Writing First: Block off Time to Do Course Assignments and Reading
Whether a writing course stretches over a month or a year, it's possible to make a firm time commitment to course study and assignments. Follow these steps:
- Decide on the time commitment to give the course the hours it deserves. How many hours per week are necessary to be able to read and understand the content? How many hours to write and polish course assignments?
- Decide on the best time slot(s) to complete this work. Take into account paid employment, family responsibilities, and outside commitments, but delegate or dump as much as possible.
- Tell everyone that this block of time is off limits to anything but writing for the duration of the course (apart from emergencies).
2. Fit Course Work Around Existing Commitments
This approach is not ideal, but sometimes busy people don't have any other option. Elderly parents or chronically ill family members may have to come first, for example, or an important project at work may require extra hours.
If time has to be squeezed in around the edges of life to do an online course (whether it's for work or pleasure) this may mean giving up all other leisure activities, or even sacrificing a few hours' sleep. Only the person doing the course can decide whether it's worth it. If coursework has to come second to everything else, then:
- Ensure that the course chosen is interesting and satisfying, so sitting down to do assignments is something to look forward to.
- Schedule the most challenging tasks for the time of day when senses and creativity are at their peak.
- Ask for support from friends and family (for example: to babysit, to cook meals, to take on routine chores or do some shopping).
If a writing course seems like a good fit, it is possible to complete all necessary reading and assignments, even in the most adverse conditions. Time management becomes more of a challenge for very busy people, but it can be handled well with planning and a determination to be flexible.
For a different approach to handling deadlines, see A Simple Time Management Tip for Writers.
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