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Becoming A Master Student, Tenth Edition
Dave Ellis
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| | Strategies for Scheduling | | | | | | | |
Technology for planning has become more accessible than ever before. Software for desktop and laptop computers includes products that create calendar entries, to-do lists, and project schedules. Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) use the same type of digital technology as desktop computers-but makes it easier to carry it with you in a pocket or purse.
Contact managers can store names, addresses, and phone numbers with room for keeping detailed notes about professors, classmates, clients, customers, job contacts, or anyone else you want to remember. Set up regular meetings and class time to insure you don't schedule other events during fixed times when you are busy. Use your class syllabus to keep on top of reading assignments, homework, and quizzes & tests.
Different views and functions within the software can allow you to view (and print) daily, weekly, or monthly calendars. This is especially helpful in gaining a global perspective of your workload. A reminder function can help alert you to upcoming tests or assignments at certain intervals (1 month, 1 week, 1 day, etc.).
If you can't get used to the stylus (a tool that looks like a pencil and allows you to write directly on the PDAs screen), type your information into your computer and connect your device to sync the information between the two.
Online scheduling tools allow you to keep your schedule online via a web based scheduling program that is accessible from any computer with an Internet connection. You can publish your calendar so that classmates or coworkers can see your schedule. Some Internet based calendars allow you to automatically send reminders about important dates or special events via e-mail. Try: http://calendar.yahoo.com/
If you're not ready to make the leap from a low-tech paper planner, that's okay. Traditional printed calendars are great resources for keeping track of important information. Use daily, weekly and monthly calendars to keep track of your short term and long term plans.
Updates on resources for scheduling:
Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) are tiny computer devices that can serve as a calendar, address book, planner, memo pad—some even have MP3 players and wireless modems for internet service. To learn more about PDAs, go to http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/pda.htm and http://palmtops.about.com/cs/1/. The sites will tell you all you need to know and more about these little gadgets.
You can also go to http://www.web-based-software.com/calendar/ to find a list of online calendar and scheduling tools. Many of them are free and easy to set up. Most also have calendar sharing options so get your friends and let each other know what you're up to!
Ultimately, managing your time is up to you, however you want to go about doing it. http://www.daytimer.com has great articles with tips to help you be more productive. Click on the time management articles tab at the bottom of their page.
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