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Balancing Life and Learning: Tips for Completing Your Online Education Degree

As an adult learner, balancing the demands of life, work, and education can feel overwhelming. Pursuing an online education degree while juggling these responsibilities is no small feat, especially in the unique environment of online learning. However, with the right strategies and mindset, it’s possible to effectively manage your coursework, stay motivated, and achieve success.

Managing Coursework with Time Management  

One of the biggest challenges adult learners face is managing coursework alongside other life obligations. While the flexibility of an online education degree allows you to customize your study time, a structured approach and strong organizational skills are essential for managing your schedule. 

Fortunately, whether you’re pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s online education degree, there are some simple strategies you can implement to help stay on top of your goals: 

  • Create a weekly plan: Outline your entire week ahead of time, incorporating not only your coursework, but also work commitments, family time, and personal activities. Prioritize tasks based on deadlines and importance.  
  • Set realistic goals: Break down your assignments into smaller, more manageable tasks. This can help reduce the feeling of being overwhelmed and provide a sense of accomplishment as you complete each part.  
  • Use time blocks: Dedicate specific time blocks for study sessions, free from distractions. Even short bursts of focused study time can be productive. Set a timer to work or study for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break to reset. Repeat as needed until your task or study session is complete.  
  • Leverage technology: Use tools like digital planners, calendars, or apps to keep track of your tasks and deadlines. Set reminders for important dates and use a color-coding system to prioritize your to-do lists.  

Maintaining Motivation Throughout Your Online Education Degree 

Online learning requires self-discipline and persistence, but staying motivated can be challenging sometimes. Here are some tips to keep your momentum going: 

  • Define your why: Regularly revisit your reason for pursuing your online education degree. Whether it’s to advance your career, fulfill a personal dream, or set an example for your family, keeping your “why” front and center can reignite your motivation for when times get tough. 
  • Celebrate your wins: Acknowledge and reward yourself for small achievements, such as completing a difficult assignment or sticking to your study schedule for the week. This will help keep you motivated and provide a sense of progress.  
  • Connect with your peers: Online learning can feel isolating at times. Engaging with your professors and peers through discussion boards, study groups, and virtual meetups can build a sense of community and support.  
  • Visualize success: Picture yourself achieving your goal of completing your online education degree. Regularly visualizing this success can strengthen your resolve and help you through difficult periods.  

Achieving Success in an Online Learning Environment 

While an online education degree program allows you to manage your own coursework and schedule, it’s easy to fall track if you’re not careful. Here are some other best practices to get you to the finish line:  

  • Stay organized: Organization is key to successfully managing your coursework, especially in the online learning world. Create separate folders for each class on your computer and clearly label all of your files for easy finding. Use cloud storage to back up your work and ensure that you don’t lose important documents.  
  • Create a dedicated study space: Whether it’s a home office, a local library, or a quiet corner of your living space, having a consistent study space can help minimize distractions and signal to your brain that it’s time to focus.  
  • Actively communicate: Reach out to your instructors for clarification on assignments and feedback. Engage with your academic advisor if you’re concerned about your courseload. If you feel like you’re falling behind or struggling to grasp certain concepts, take advantage of tutoring services and additional resources that support student success. 
  • Prioritize self-care: Staying mentally and physically healthy will help you remain resilient and focused as you pursue your online education degree. Communicate and set boundaries with your family, friends, and coworkers about your study schedule. Exercise, meditate, or take some time off to unwind and avoid burnout. Be sure to build time for rest and relaxation into your schedule and prioritize it like you would your coursework.  

Remember: Persistence is key. 

Completing an online education degree as an adult learner is a challenging yet rewarding experience. By managing your time effectively, staying motivated, and embracing the flexibility of online learning, you can achieve all of your goals and finish your degree strong!  

If you’re looking to earn an online education degree, Athens State University provides options and resources to help you finish strong. Our B.S. in Educational Studies and MEd in Career & Technical Education are online education degrees that will equip you with the skills and resources for the next step in your career.  

For more information, contact our admissions team.