Online learning has grown significantly over the past few years. In fact, the online education market is expected to generate revenue of US$7.57 billion by 2025. This form of education presents opportunities and challenges for students pursuing a Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com).
While online education offers flexibility, it requires students to be self-disciplined and efficiently manage their time. Many online B.Com students struggle with staying on top of their studies due to the lack of structure and guidance that traditional classrooms offer.
To succeed, students need practical time management strategies that go beyond simple tips and help them navigate their course effectively. This guide provides actionable tips for time management for online B.Com students.
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8 Practical Time Management Tips for Online B.Com Learners
Without a traditional classroom setting, online B.Com students can easily feel overwhelmed. Here are 8 practical time management for students to boost productivity and ensure academic success.
1. Create a Detailed Weekly Plan
One of the most effective ways to manage time as an online student is to have a weekly plan. It’s not enough to schedule study time—you must detail your sessions. A typical online B.Com course could include various subjects, assignments, and deadlines. You should make a weekly schedule that allocates specific days and times for each subject, assignment, and revision.
How to do it:
- Start by listing all the subjects and tasks for the week.
- Estimate how long each task will take (e.g., 2 hours to read a chapter of Economics, 1 hour to complete an Accounting exercise).
- Block out time for each subject in a planner or digital calendar.
- Make sure to include time for revision and breaks.
Also Read:- Is an Online B.Com Degree as Valued as a Traditional Degree?
2. Break Tasks into Smaller, Manageable Chunks
You might have to complete comprehensive assignments or projects that can feel overwhelming. Breaking them down into smaller tasks makes them more manageable and less stressful. Instead of considering an entire 3,000-word assignment or a complex financial report, divide it into sections and focus on one particular section at a time.
How to do it:
- For an essay, break it into steps such as researching, outlining, writing the introduction, writing the body paragraphs, and editing.
- For a group project, allocate smaller tasks like research, creating slides, or drafting the report.
3. Use Task Management Tools and Apps
In an online B.Com course, there is a lot to keep track of. This can be your assignments, deadlines, notes, and exam schedules. Relying on traditional methods like sticky notes or notebooks might not be enough to stay organised. Fortunately, task management tools are good online study strategies to keep you on top of everything.
4. Build a Productive Study Environment
When studying online, students often make the mistake of studying in places full of distractions—like their bed, the sofa, or in front of the TV. This can reduce productivity. You need to establish a dedicated study area to manage time well.
How to do it:
- Choose a quiet and well-lit place with minimal distractions.
- Keep the study space tidy and organised, with only the materials you need for the session.
- Use noise-cancelling headphones or background instrumental music to eliminate distractions if necessary.
- Turn off your mobile notifications and set it to 'Do Not Disturb' during study time.
5. Prioritise Based on Deadlines and Importance
With many assignments, projects, and exams in line, it can be difficult to know where to start. The key is prioritising tasks based on deadlines and their importance.
How to do it:
- Tackle the urgent and important tasks (e.g., an upcoming exam or an assignment due the next day) first.
- Important but not urgent tasks (e.g., a group project or long-term research) should be planned but worked on progressively.
- Urgent but less important tasks (e.g., non-essential administrative stuff) should be completed quickly.
- Neither urgent nor important tasks (e.g., browsing social media) should be avoided or minimised during study time.
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6. Set Personal Deadlines Ahead of the Official Ones
In an online environment, you need to be disciplined and proactive, especially since you often have control over when to submit assignments and schedule study time. By setting personal deadlines ahead of the official due dates, you can avoid last-minute stress and stay on top of your work.
How to do it:
- If an assignment is due in a week, aim to complete it 2-3 days before the deadline.
- Schedule time for revisions and corrections in advance so you’re not rushing to perfect the assignment at the last minute.
- Break down the revision schedule for exam preparation so you can cover all the topics before the exam.
7. Combat Procrastination with the Two-Minute Rule
Procrastination is a common issue faced by many online students, as no one is physically present to hold them accountable. To combat this, use the Two-Minute Rule, a technique for increased productivity for B.Com students that encourages starting tasks that will take less than two minutes right away.
How to do it:
- If a task takes less than two minutes (e.g., replying to an email or reviewing a short topic), do it immediately.
- For tasks that take more than two minutes, break them down into smaller steps so you can tackle the first step immediately.
8. Maintain Balance Between Study and Personal Life
One of the biggest challenges of online learning is the lack of clear boundaries between study and personal life. Many online B.Com students juggle studies with family commitments, part-time jobs, and social activities. Maintaining a balance is essential to avoid burnout and stay productive.
How to do it:
- Set clear boundaries by establishing specific study hours and personal hours.
- Use the Pomodoro Technique (25 minutes of focused study, followed by a 5-minute break) to manage your time.
- Take time for hobbies, exercise, socialising, and rest to refresh your mind.
- Communicate your study schedule with your family and friends so they understand when you need focus time.
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Conclusion
Time management is an important skill for your success as an online B.Com student. By planning your week, breaking tasks into smaller steps, and using task management apps, you can stay organised and reduce stress. It's also important to maintain a healthy balance between your studies and personal life. The key is to be consistent, disciplined, and willing to adjust your approach as needed. With the right Online Education and B.Com online degree tips, you can manage your time effectively and perform well in your studies.
Choosing the right courses is also essential. The B.Com course by Amity University Online offers a variety of resources, such as videos, printed and audiobooks, and e-books, to support your learning style.
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