10 Ways to Use 10 Minutes at a Time to Support Success in Online College Courses

Balancing coursework with work, family, and daily responsibilities can be challenging for many online college students.

While extended study sessions may not always be realistic, using brief 10-minute blocks throughout the day for specific academic tasks can help support consistent engagement and more effective use of available study time.

Making Short Study Sessions Work for Online Learning

Many adult learners manage education alongside professional and personal commitments. Short, intentional study activities completed regularly can help students stay organized, remain aware of course expectations, and reduce the pressure of completing coursework in long, uninterrupted sessions.

Below are examples of academic tasks that can typically be completed in about 10 minutes and may help support progress in online courses.

1. Review Course Announcements and University Emails

Course announcements and institutional emails often include reminders, updates, and clarifications. Reviewing these messages regularly can help students stay informed about deadlines and course requirements.

2. Read Assignment Instructions for the Current Unit

Taking a few minutes to review assignment details can help clarify expectations and identify required steps. If current tasks are already familiar, previewing upcoming units may help with planning.

3. Outline Your Weekly Schedule

Using a planner or digital calendar to map out work hours, personal responsibilities, and coursework can help identify realistic opportunities for study throughout the week.

4. Complete a Knowledge Check or Diagnostic Activity

Some courses include short assessments designed to measure familiarity with course concepts. Completing these activities may help students focus their time on areas that need additional review.

5. Read Discussion Board Contributions

Reading classmates’ discussion posts can help build familiarity with course topics and support idea development, even when time does not allow for posting.

6. Draft Part of a Discussion Response

Many discussion prompts include multiple questions. Drafting a response to one portion and saving it for later can make it easier to complete the full discussion post when more time is available.

7. Complete a Short Lesson or Learning Module

Online lessons are often structured in brief segments. Completing one lesson at a time can help maintain steady progress throughout the term.

8. Preview Assigned Readings

Scanning headings, highlighted terms, visuals, and summaries can provide useful context and make in-depth reading more manageable later.

9. Review Instructor Feedback

Instructor feedback is typically available in the course gradebook. Reviewing comments can help students understand expectations and apply suggestions to future assignments.

10. Communicate with Instructors or Advisors

Reaching out with questions, updates, or concerns can help clarify expectations and connect students with available academic support resources.

How Small Time Blocks Add Up

Spending 10 minutes on focused academic tasks several times per week can add up to meaningful course engagement over time. These brief activities can help students make more efficient use of longer study sessions and stay connected to their courses during busy weeks.

Mobile learning tools and university apps can also make it easier to complete quick tasks during breaks, commutes, or waiting periods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can short study sessions be useful for online college courses?

A: Short study sessions can help support regular engagement with course materials and may be particularly helpful for students balancing multiple responsibilities.

Q: What types of tasks work well in 10-minute study periods?