Online college students are often hard-pressed for time. Commitments, workload, or children perhaps, we get it!
Delaying one task can cause assignments to pile up, deadlines missed, and grades will be affected. That is not what you want. These are ways to help you avoid those unnecessary troubles and ensure you turn in assignments on time.
Make a schedule
You will want to review the course outline ahead of time rather than waiting until the class starts. As a result, you will have a good feel of what to expect in the coming weeks and months. Then create a schedule for yourself and incorporate all other activities (including work) to stay organized and avoid panic at the last hours.
Written assignments usually take longer to complete. You will want to allow more time to finish them.
Keep this schedule visible at your working desk to help you focused on the priorities.
Assemble information
Classroom discussions and assignments are often interrelated. As such, do take time to note chapters for further reading and sources for contents.
While you look for information, make sure to bookmark or jot down the relevant pages or URLs to avoid having to go through the searching process when completing the assignment.
Also, pay attention to reference guidelines stipulated by your online college when you put together your assignment.
Take notes
Sometimes, we tell ourselves we will remember specific points. While the world keeps you busy, these points usually disappear from memory!
The only way to stay organized is to take notes while reading or hearing the information. When pressed for time, write on the book or bookmark the time stamp so that you can revisit the section when required.
Same with ideas. Note them down when you have those a-ha moments for quick recall.
Start Early
To keep things fresh, you may want to start outlining your thought process once you receive the assignment. Always review your reading materials and notes as a guide to answering your questions.
Create headings and sub-headings to arrange your answers and proposed solutions. Do not worry if your first draft does not sound right, as you will perfect it as you progress.
With all your points in place, rearrange the content accordingly to make your answers and solutions a perfect fit.
The above tips are merely best practices. Feel free to add your learning and working styles to it as you deem fit. Remember, the goal is to submit all assignments on time to avoid negative repercussions on your grades.
