Success for Online Adult Learners Involves Developing Effective Time Management Practices

For those who are considering enrollment in Villanova University’s online certificate or degree programs, practicing effective time management is an important skill.

Online programs typically attract adults who want to complete a degree, certificate program, or earn a certification to bolster their career opportunities. But time management is something successful people in all walks of life must practice. For working adults in online programs, the challenge is even more pronounced as students must balance work and professional schedules with the time needed to perform well in school.

Why Work on Time Management?

At its core, effective time management requires just as much persistence as it does organization and proper managing of the clock. 

Practicing good time management can help increase your productivity and efficiency, while decreasing your stress and anxiety, among other benefits.

Practical Ways to Improve Time Management

A good tip to keep in mind is that time management stresses getting results over being busy. Too many people think that being busy means they are getting things done. That is not often the case.

Here are some practical ways – which include feedback from students and faculty members – for adult learners to practice good time management in Villanova’s online programs.

Attend All the Weekly Live Class Sessions

Much of the online coursework is asynchronous, meaning that students can watch lectures and complete assignments at a time that is most convenient for them. However, Villanova’s courses also offer one virtual, live class session each week that allows students to collaborate with instructors and other classmates. It gives students a chance to get to know each other, ask questions and learn about their backgrounds and experiences. Students must attend 50% of the course’s weekly live class sessions. Attending every virtual session has its benefits.

“What surprised me the most about the online program was hearing from so many different people from different backgrounds and fields about similar experiences,” said Robert Delgadillo, who graduated with a Master of Public Administration in 2019. “It’s amazing looking back on the program and seeing how much you learned from the classes as well as from your classmates.” 

Make The Time Commitment

Villanova’s courses are taught by industry practitioners who bring their real-world expertise into the online classroom and bridge the gap between academic theory and practical application. Many of Villanova’s certificate programs can also help prepare students for certification exams.

Having a plan for balancing your online schoolwork and exam preparation with your daily work and life activities is important. Consider setting aside at least an hour a day to focus on your coursework and assignments. Also map out where you will complete your online classes and eliminate all distractions to help improve knowledge comprehension.

“The intensity of the program surprised me but was very fulfilling. I have taken other online programs from other universities and Villanova’s classes are challenging, but very organized,” said Angela Lahr, who earned her Certificate in Lean Six Sigma and Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification in 2019. “All the information you need is in the curriculum.”

Always Be Prepared

Making time for your online coursework and staying on track with weekly assignments is important because it helps you prepare for weekly live class session discussion, chat room topics and discussion board assignments. Watching the online lectures and completing interactive assignments on schedule allows you to ask targeted questions to your professor or classmates that speak directly to the material that’s covered in the associated week’s lesson. 

Dr. Lauren Miltenberger, an Assistant Professor of Public Administration and Nonprofit Coordinator at Villanova University, said it’s helpful to her that so many of her students take the time to prepare before her class session.

Online students “have to do a lot of work before they actually get into our virtual classroom, but they’re so prepared, they have such good questions,” Miltenberger said. “They’ve watched the videos, they’ve read, they’ve posted on the discussion board; we really can use the class time to dive in. An online class lends itself to more discussion.”

Remove Distractions

Consider creating a space (at home or somewhere in a quiet area) that is only for attending class and working on assignments. Turn off your mobile device or discipline yourself not to look at it or check messages. Refrain from going on the internet to take a short break (which invariably turns into a long break). If your quiet space is at home, let everyone in the house know when it is your time to study. 

Denise Fenwick, who is pursuing her Master of Science in Human Resource Development, said removing distractions and making a commitment is key.

“I made a choice at the beginning of the program that if I do this, I’m going to be committed to seeing it out and I’m going to do it at my own pace,” Fenwick said. “I need to balance work, my personal life, my kids’ sports and holidays.”

Stay Motivated

The idea of finding motivation might not seem practical at first glance, but it’s actually the glue holding the entire time management operation together.

One way to remain motivated is to read how other students have reached their personal and career goals by completing online courses from Villanova. Their stories are inspirational. Also, think about taking the time to write down your goals in a clear, concise way and then put them somewhere where you will see them every day. This can serve as a reminder to why you are making this important commitment.

Dr. Wesley Proctor, who has an inspirational story of his own, is an assistant teaching professor in Villanova’s Department of Public Administration and an expert in the nonprofit field. He said he has learned over the years that “I have to write things down. I keep a calendar with reminders of things I have to do.”

He also said that time management of his busy schedule causes him to reflect on how it’s all been worthwhile. His comments speak to how motivation supports good time management. 

“I’ve been establishing nonprofits since 1998, half my life. I’ve had good clients and bad clients, good young people and bad young people. Sometimes that can affect your psyche and make you think, ‘Is this all worth it? Did I do the right thing? Maybe I should be doing something else,” he said. 

“In the end, the Lord always sends you a client that changes your whole perspective, or a young person who makes you feel like you’re on top of the world. It makes you feel like it’s all worth it.”