What Should My Virtual Learning Schedule Look Like?

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One of the benefits of virtual learning is that you get to decide when and how you learn. Sure you’ll need to meet deadlines, but the prep and study is more flexible than traditional learning. You choose when you tune into lessons and there isn’t any commute to campus.

All that convenience is a great thing, right? Actually, sometimes the freedom can be a little overwhelming. After all, it’s up to you to balance study with family and fun and work and chores. It’s on you to say no—when you’d rather say yes—to distractions and procrastination. Can you do it? One way is to create a virtual learning schedule and stick to it like someone is taking attendance.

Make Your Virtual World Fit Your Real World

Your schedule needs to take into consideration real-life and when you work and learn best. Do you have a part-time job? Your school schedule needs to fit around it. Are you a parent? The kids should know you’re going to school even if you don’t leave the house. And what about how you learn? If you’re a morning person, attend school in the early am. But if you’re a night owl, tune in evenings when all is quiet.

There are lots of ways to create an online learning schedule that might work for you. This is just one example:

Monday, Wednesday, Friday

  • 8 a.m. — Breakfast: Start every day at the same time with a nutritious breakfast. Food is fuel. If you want to think well, you need to power up your brain. This is also a good time to check your personal email, catch up on the news, or spend some time with family. Does everyone know what their tasks and responsibilities are for the day?
  • 9:30 a.m. — Attend Class: Check into your first class. Access your student portal, check your school email, and be on the lookout for important announcements and updates. Look at approaching deadlines and assignments. If your teacher has recorded a lecture, prepared a specific discussion, or scheduled an exam for today, complete it now. On Wednesday/Friday, you could use the same time slot for other classes. The important rule is to attend the same class at the same time every week. On the days you don’t have the class, use the time to do work for the class. And if you are required to attend live lessons, plan accordingly.
  • 11:30 a.m. — Lunch: After a few hours of hard work, take a lunch break. Use this time to get some fresh air, go for a walk, or relax a little. Maybe read something for pleasure or listen to some music. Take your mind off of your studies for a while so you’ll be fresh for the afternoon.
  • 1 p.m. — Study Time: After you’ve taken a break, it’s time to study. The last thing you want to do is cram for a test the day before, so plan your study sessions about a week in advance. If you don’t have a test to prepare for, use this time to complete reading assignments or to create study guides or flashcards.
  • 4 p.m. — Life’s Responsibilities: Are you in charge of dinner? Or is the whole house your responsibility? Catch up with cleaning and food prep once you’ve put the digital books down for the day. Or get outside and do your errands. This will give your brain a chance to rest and your body some time to move.

Now you’ve got plenty of time to eat dinner, spend time with family, and have a bit of fun.

Tuesdays and Thursdays

  • 8 a.m. — Breakfast: Sound familiar? It’s important to fuel up every morning and to start your day as close to the same time as you can. Consistency is the key to success with online learning.
  • 9:30 –Work: Do you work? Whatever hours you work, fit them into your life in a way that allows you to learn and earn and prepare for a better future.
  • 4:00 –Prep for Dinner and Eat: You always need time with family and friends and food. Don’t forget to eat healthy!
  • 7:00 –Hit the Books and Study: Even if you fit most of your schoolwork into a few days, you may need extra time to prepare for class, work on projects, or participate in a study group. A study group is a great way to learn, and also socialize with your peers. As a virtual student, it’s important to make time for those social connections.

Weekends Are Yours!

This virtual learning schedule is just one example of how you might work and learn. Do you have a plan for success? Let us know what yours is.

If you’re ready for the flexibility and freedom that online classes offer, contact Charter College today. We offer online programs in Business, Health Care, Information Technology, and some Trades that are taught with the same dedication and standards as our face-to-face programs. Call 888-200-9942 to learn more.