17 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.
Choose a Daily Task Management System
| System | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Paper planner | • User is not required to learn new technology • Eliminates possible distraction with apps • Flexible and adaptable to user preferences |
• Difficult to share tasks with team members in group projects • May require time to create effective calendar and task list layouts |
| Online calendar (e.g. Outlook Calendar, Google Calendar) | • 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 |
• 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) | • 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 |
• May require time to learn the platform • Apps may become obsolete • Some apps require payment |
Reflection and Action
Consider what kind of task management system will help you most in your current study program:
- What kind of time management system do you prefer? Paper or technology-based?
- 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?
- 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.