Are you a proud multi-tasker, doing several jobs at once, hands flying everywhere, tapping away on your keyboard, sending text messages and answering the phone whenever it rings? Consider yourself a gifted juggler, in fact?

Guess what. It may be time to get humble. While multitasking is unavoidable or even a good thing sometimes, too much of it can really hurt your productivity and the overall quality of your work. Every time you stop focusing on the task at hand — to answer the phone or check e-mail or text —your creativity and productivity takes a hit.

In fact, once you’re interrupted you can take from 11 to 20 minutes before you can fully focus again on your work, and pick up where you left off. Interruptions can take your day away from you. Interruptions are the devil.

But you can beat that devil — with a few tools and determination. Here you go:

Tackling ruthless interruptions: 10 ways to take back your day

1. Make a list of what you want to accomplish at the start of the day, or the night before. Prioritize. Then estimate how much time it will take to do key tasks, lessons, papers, projects or assignments. Don’t forget to include scheduled meetings you must attend. Add it all up. Now, how much time can you afford to lose to interruptions?
2. Work on your most difficult task first and don’t quit until it’s done. Then start working on the rest, one at a time.
3. Create your own office hours. Set aside one or two blocks of time each day for questions and requests from co-workers or your own staff. Explain that this could be a better deal than it may appear on the surface. Why? Because you can’t give them thoughtful feedback when they just pop into your office. Promise your undivided attention during those set times. And really listen. Consider establishing other blocks of time for things that typically interrupt you throughout the day, like sorting mail or going through your in-box.
4. Turn off your e-mail notifications alerts. Check e-mail once an hour, or whatever works best for you, instead.
5. Do not get lost in Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn or other social networking sites. Set aside a time to check in, and then stick to a time limit.
6. Turn off auto-generated e-mails from social networks. Do you really need to know every time someone comments on your post, changes their profile or invites you to play Mafia Wars?
7. Turn off instant messaging and chat.
8. Look at your spam e-mail settings, and consider choosing the strongest filter. If you get spam from one sender regularly, put them on your e-mail black list.
9. If you find yourself tempted to check e-mail, text a friend or make a call, practice recognizing these interruptions. Then try to resist and continue on task.
10. If an interruption is unavoidable, jot down where you are on your work, and what you planned to do next, if possible.

The next time you’re on deadline and tempted to stray from the project at hand, think about whether you want to throw away time right now — or finish the job and go home on time.

- By Online Learning Tips Staff

Adult learners face this mathematical challenge: There are 168 hours in a week. Between 40 to 50 of those are usually spent working. Another 45 to 50 are for sleeping. Now, figure in eating, commuting, family time and more. You don’t need a calculator to see that adult learners have many time demands. However, millions are pursuing degrees online right now – and you can, too.

Here are 10 time-management tips to help you succeed as an online learner.

1. Find a calendar system that works.
   Some prefer mobile devices. Others use built-in computer software and even the old standbys, paper calendars. The method is less important than the style that works for you. Choose a calendar or project management system that is reliable and easy to update. Then, populate it with every detail and deadline you need to keep yourself on track, including course deadlines, family and social obligations and more.
2. Keep your class syllabus close.
   Online learning requires self-discipline – and a good road map. The class syllabus is the road map that typically lists all the course readings, assignments and deadlines. Students refer to it throughout the course to make sure they are heading the right direction. 
3. Create your perfect study space.
   Your computer, room lighting, broadband connection, even your chair — all are key to an environment for studying and learning. There’s no need to spend a bundle at an office supply store. Just pay attention to what interrupts your focus. Then, change or eliminate it.
4. Leverage university resources.
   Online universities have many experts for students. APU, for example, offers research librarians, tutoring services and even support re: navigating the online classroom portal. A quick call or e-mail may save you time and frustration.
5. Eliminate social distractions.
   We are bombarded today with rings, beeps and pop-ups. Consider turning off your phone and logging off of social networks during study time. Even that brief look at a friend’s text message or status update interrupts your thought processes (suggest linking this to the top 10 ways to avoid interruptions article) and slows you down. 
6. Try some tricks.
   It takes some effort to keep the commitment and focus up, especially after a long day at work. A few tricks can provide a boost. For example, set a timer for 30 minutes or an hour – and don’t stop reading until it goes off. Post a dream job offer in your study space to help you remember your goal. Have energy-boosting snacks nearby, such as nuts, crunchy veggies or a healthy smoothie. Give yourself 10 minutes of a favorite activity to give your brain a rest.
7. Take a break from multi-tasking.
   One APU professor’s secret to a long career of accomplishments: He doesn’t multi-task. He has distractions like the rest of us. He has just learned how to stop, attend to another task, and then pick up where he left off. See if that technique works for you.
8. Reward yourself.
   Just the fact that you are taking courses is a tremendous accomplishment. Reward yourself along the way. Celebrate a well-written paper with a special dinner. Take the scenic route home to refresh yourself. Have coffee with a friend. Go to a movie.
9. Turn to classmates for support.
   If you’re stuck on an assignment or facing writer’s block on that research paper, turn to a fellow classmate. Her insight may help spur you on – and help you avoid wasted time.
10. Recognize when it’s not working. 
    Despite your best efforts, every night won’t be record-setting in terms of pages read, or words written. Sometimes the best choice is to stop – for an hour or for the night. Remember, earning a degree is a journey toward your goals and self-discovery. Enjoy it.

By Online Learning Tips Staff

What to Expect:
Your First Week of School Online

Equipped with your class schedule in-hand, map of the campus, books in your arms for classes that day, and plenty of fresh paper to write on; a hot cup of coffee and some sleep the night before and you’re ready for your first week of school. Oh wait, wrong scenario; this is your first week of school online.

Being an online student means you don’t need to commute to a campus for classes each week, you don’t have heavy books to drag around with you, and there’s no need to worry about making it to class on time (or even worrying about what to wear). Navigating around the virtual classroom and the online campus can be difficult at first for some, but with time, assistance from support at your school, and webinars, you’ll be good to go in no time.

At an online university, the first week of classes is pretty similar to what you might experience at a brick and mortar institution. The main difference is that there is no face to face interaction, and you’re doing it all from your computer. Don’t let the digital platform fool you. It still takes a lot of discipline just like in other schools, brick and mortar especially, to get the class work turned in on time. You still need to complete writing assignments; and for some, time management becomes a new skill you need to refine in order to survive.

We recently caught up with Angel Garcia, a student at American Public University (APU), who went back to school to get his M.A. in Management. He filled us in about his first week of school online.

“This was my first time taking an online class. I heard through friends that you really needed to budget your personal time. When I initially reviewed the class syllabus I was a little concerned about the workload, however, after the first couple weeks I got into the groove of the class and switched around some personal things to make time for class.”

As with most experiences in college, life gets in the way. An online school is no exception. Even though the class starts at APU are more flexible, (courses start monthly that last for either six or eight weeks), it means more personal responsibility. Instead of having to attend class on a regular basis so you don’t get marked off for non-attendance, you have to log into the classroom for assignment completion and discussion board posting.

“Part of the curriculum for APU is weekly discussions. Generally in the first week you introduce yourself, where you reside at, and your tenure in the degree program. I received encouragement from other senior students,” said Garcia. Most online schools grade students through weekly assignments, discussion board participation, papers and exams. It seems similar to what you would find at a brick and mortar school, but the main difference is there is no physical attendance and you alone have to motivate yourself to log in every week and complete your assignments.

For most online students three classes is considered a full course load. The amount of classes a student chooses to take at a time varies on the degree level they’re trying to obtain and their other obligations such as work and family. This still means there is a lot of time and effort involved, especially when you don’t have three or four months to complete a few classes, instead you have a matter of weeks. Online course work is more involved because you have a new assignment every week usually, as opposed to traditionally just having a mid-term and a final with the possibility of quizzes in-between.

“I enrolled in three classes my first semester. I didn’t want to double up because I wanted to be successful in each class,” said Garcia. “Do not underestimate the workload of the class. Just because it’s an online university, there is a lot of time you have to commit to it. Manage your time and don’t become complacent and you will succeed.”

With the first week of classes Garcia recommends “asking your counselor for the syllabus or research for the required books you need because there is generally an assignment due the first day of class.” If the workload looks like it may be too much, it might be best to consult with an advisor on what works best with your schedule.

There is also a great support staff for students at online universities. Just like other schools, there are student advisors that will explain the process to you, what classes you need to take to achieve your goals, and any other guidance you might expect. But in order to encourage progression, students need to connect with their advisors as needed. It’s the responsibility of the student to contact their advisor when they have questions, need assistance or advice on changing degree paths, or need tutoring and counseling services. Staying in touch by phone or e-mail is crucial. This also goes for communication with your professors.

Just like students, professors in the online environment have to work harder too. They’re dedicating themselves to a format that doesn’t allow them to meet their students face to face. Distance educators are also expected to dedicate a number of hours each week to the online classroom. It’s not as easy as a mass posting of assignments, then sitting back and grading what comes in. Online professors dedicate themselves to the online format by refining communication skills, time management and making themselves available (in the virtual sense.) They can achieve this level of accessibility by responding to your discussion posts, chatting with you through the online classroom chat feature or replying to an e-mail. It takes a lot of time and dedication on their part, not to mention devotion to research, in order to create virtual lesson plans. Most people are mobile with their computers and e-mails, making this form of communication more accessible.

If you’re looking for a place to unwind from classes your first week then look into exploring the online campus. Online you can stop and have a coffee break whenever you like, from the convenience of your own home. You can “attend class” from a coffee shop, outdoors, or anywhere you choose that has an internet connection. As for upcoming events, or chatting with fellow students, most online schools have a virtual student lounge where they can congregate and communicate with other distance learners. There are also university-run student groups, honor societies, and an abundance of social media groups to join.

Your first week of school is what you make it. Keep your motivation in check and reach out when help is needed. Going back to school doesn’t have to be an ordeal – take some courses online and see for yourself.

- By J. Mason, Online Learning Tips Staff Editor

Typically the warning signs of failure in school are clear-cut. Your grades are C’s or lower, constantly asking for extensions, getting incompletes on assignments, or you simply don’t understand anything going on in the class. What’s worse is that some people don’t realize they’re failing until the final grade is posted. Waiting until the last minute to rectify your standing in the class is not a good idea. Be proactive about classwork, and ask for help before the final test.

Still not sure where you stand in school. The reasons could be staring you in the face, and you haven’t picked up on them yet:

1. You have a C or D average: This means you’re not mastering the content, but possibly getting by without fulling understanding the material. This is particuarly dangerous with an online class, since you don’t meet face to face with the professor to discuss your grade and how to improve it. Don’t be your own worst enemy, ask the teacher what you need to work on before the class ends.
2. Constantly needing extensions or getting incompletes: If you depend on these modes of grading as an educational crutch as opposed to something circumstantial , then it might be time to evaluate if you have time for school. This may mean you can’t keep up with the page of college. Good time management skills can help here.
3. You spend too much time doing reading or homework: Typically professors assign work with time constraints in mind. Meaning they take into the account that a student may be in more than one class and possibly working. The assignments are greated towards being done in a manageable period of time. If you find you spend all your time on the work then you may instead have an issue with comprehending the course material. *This could be relative, some teachers don’t take these factors into account in relation to time span of the class and outside factors.
4. Too much time on social networks: Checking status updates, fan pages, tweets, or new videos is a good way to pass a half hour to maybe an hour a day, but if you find you can’t tear yourself away long enough to get your work done then you need to break your bad habit.
5. You hate where you are: If you really dread school every week, and just find yourself putting things off in order to not deal with them, then you need to rethink what you’re doing. Maybe school isn’t the place for you to be, or maybe try a new program. If you’re unhappy it will show in your grades, attitudes towards assignments, and length of time it takes to get your degree. Try contacting your student advisor if you’re unhappy and want a change, they’re there to help you.