Students in all college programs, including hybrid college classes, can benefit from using certain tools to stay better organized. What is hybrid learning’s most important tool? Your mindset! The first step to staying organized and working toward success is to maintain your motivated mindset.
With that in mind, consider the following:
Not every digital planning tool will work well for every student; it's a matter of preference. It's best to use the tools that you like and feel comfortable with because that means you're more likely to use them consistently.
Consider using:
- A calendar app to keep track of your online and in-person learning activities, as well as due dates (e.g., Google Calendar)
- Digital alerts on your phone to remind you a couple of days before an exam or assignment due date
- Task manager app (digital to-do list) (e.g., Todoist)
- Digital note-taking platform (e.g., Evernote)
Hybrid college students might wish to take a hybrid approach to their organizational tools, as well. In addition to using digital tools, you might wish to use any of the following physical tools:
- A whiteboard for writing down your class schedule and important upcoming dates
- A day planner to carry around with you to each in-person activity and to keep on your desk during online courses
- Accordion files to organize physical learning materials for each class
- Three-ring binder with separate tabs for each class
As a hybrid student, your backpack is another important organizational tool. It’s ideal to pack it for the next day or the night before so that you’ll be less likely to forget something important.
Another organizational technique is to maintain a dedicated workspace in your home — ideally, a desk. Try to keep the clutter to a minimum, but stock the area with everything you need to attend classes online, study and work on your assignments.
