If I was paid a dollar this semester for every time I heard/read a student say this, I’d be rich. Well, at least I’d have enough for daily Starbucks.
It’s so confusing having an online class! I can’t ever remember when things are due…
Here’s my suggestion.
Create a Google Calendar for yourself. (Here’s how.) Your Google Calendar is available from any computer, and it can automatically synchronize with many popular smart phones (like the iPhone, BlackBerry or Palm Pre) — which means that you’ll have the ability to know when things are due no matter where you are, 24/7.
For my classes, look in BlackBoard/GeorgiaVIEW for deadlines for:
- Assessments (quizzes, Readiness Assessment Tests AKA RATS, etc.) — note: not all my classes have formal assessments via BlackBoard/GeorgiaVIEW
- Assignments
Look here on my blog for blogging guidelines and descriptions of when your blog posts are due. These vary by class. And remember to include your TOWs (Topics of the Week) for those classes that include them as part of the assignment (all but PRCA 3711/4711 and FYE 1220); TOWs are due Saturdays at midnight.
Create a calendar entry in your Google Calendar for each item that is due. Set interim deadlines for yourself for larger projects. You can tell Google Calendar to send you a reminder about any deadline you choose.
And that’s all there is to it. At least, except for the “completing the assignments” part.
Hope you found this helpful.
(NOTE: If you have another calendar method you prefer, and it already works well for you, USE IT. No need to switch. But if you’re having trouble staying on top of your classes, try this method. It’s how I keep myself organized.)
I believe that it is not only to be organized online, but offline as well. I am not a very organized person and that is one of the reasons why in the past I have so many problems in the past. I think that it is crucial to be organized and sometimes the best way to do that is to organize yourself online. I have known other people in my school whokeep all their assignments online. They are always very efficient in their work outside of class and when they were in class they were able to receive outstanding grades on assignments because they would bring their laptop to class and it would help them to be organized. They can follow the teacher when the teacher pulls up slides or assignment deadlines to look at. I think that it is very intelligent to use a computer for the purposes of being organized. Not to mention there will be less stress in the future of turning in work.
Hi there,
Thanks for article. Everytime like to read you.
BernieR
I did find this helpful! I am very attached to my planner these days and have everything written down in the “month” view as well as in the week view… I would love to try the Google Calendar though since it is an electronic version of a planner and everything I am doing these days is online! From classes, to communicating with everyone (email, twitter, blogging, etc!)
Thanks for this tip!