Choose a daily task management system

Some students prefer paper-based task management systems, while others prefer to use technology to manage daily tasks.  Consider the following advantages and disadvantages of systems you might choose.

Paper Planner Advantages • User is not required to learn new technology • Eliminates possible distraction with apps Flexible and adaptable to user preferences Disadvantages • Difficult to share tasks with team members in group projects May require time to create effective calendar and task list layouts Online calendar Advantages: • Tasks and other life commitments are integrated in a single view • Information is easily viewable on multiple devices Easy to schedule meetings with team members or share events Disadvantages • May be difficult to integrate smaller tasks into the work plan May be difficult to move incomplete tasks to a new time slot on a later date Time management app (e.g. Wunderlist, Remember the Milk, Microsoft To-Do) Advantages • Information can viewed on multiple devices • Most apps allow project lists to be shared between team members • Easy to integrate small tasks into the daily task list • Easy to mark task completion Incomplete tasks can be rescheduled simply Disadvantages • May require time to learn the platform • Apps may become obsolete Some apps require payment
Image Credit: Christina Page

Reflection and Action

Consider what kind of task management system will help you most in your current study program:

  1. What kind of time management system do you prefer?  Paper or technology-based?
  2. Do you plan to keep your current time management system, or make some changes to support your online learning?  If you are trying a new system, when will you evaluate how effective it is for you?
  3. When will you organize your daily tasks?  Will you set aside a longer block of time on a weekly basis for planning, or set aside a few moments for planning at the beginning or end of each day?

Click here to download a printable worksheet for your reflections.

 

Media Attributions

  • Time Management Systems

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A Student Guide to Learning With Technology @UNBC Copyright © by UNBC CTLT is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.

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