Overview

A day timer, or personal agenda, is a paper calendar an individual can take with them. It provides a similar function to an e-calendar. The only difference is whether or not the calendar is loaded onto a mobile device. While day timers are typically used to organize a schedule, they can also been used more as a journal; to document occurrences in an organized way (Carabin et al., 1999). Despite the rise of organizational software on mobile devices, day timers have remained popular and continue to be sold.

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In childcare, tailored day calendars have been used to increase compliance with immunization records (Kreuter et al., 2004). Families given personalized calendars with reminders for immunization times were 20% more reliable in showing up to appointments. Day timers have also been used in day-to-day routines to increase regular hygiene care for toddlers, which then reduced risks of developing infections (Carabin et al., 1999).

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Day timers in education have been used to increase student self-regulatory behavior (Agran et al., 2001). Agran and colleagues (2001) ran a study looking at types of reinforcement. Students were given day timers to organize themselves and were taught using a self-reinforcement or teacher-reinforcement scheme. While both groups showed significant improvements in organization, the students who were allowed to self-reinforce (provide their own rewards when they completed a goal) showed more improvement and benefit from the day timers (Agran et al., 2001).

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Day timers have not been directly compared to electronic calendars; however, handwriting in general enhances memory over typing information (Smoker, Murphy, & Rockwell, 2008). Because of this, day timers may provide an advantage in memory over their electronic equivalents.

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Research Rating: Due to the experimental nature of the information cited in this description this information is to be trusted as valid and reliable.  

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Advantages:

• Increases organization and facilitates compliance to and memory of important events

• Effective with self-reinforcement strategies reduces management requirements

• Very inexpensive

• Do not need to be charged up

• Printed notes have mild retention advantages over electronic notes (Smoker et al., 2008)

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Disadvantages:

• Have to be carried around and regularly written in for best use; therefore require handwriting skills

• No automatic notifications

• Tend to be larger, and therefore more difficult to carry around, than smartphones

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To Consider

• Both day timers and electronic equivalents like e-calendars help students to organize themselves.

• Electronic calendars are generally mounted on devices (smaller and lighter), can be combined with numerous other apps, and provide automated reminders.

• The most appropriate type of calendar and organizer will depend on the individual needs of the child.

• Day timers may be less effective for lower functioning children, children with language delays, or children with motor delays, based on the basic demands of using the tool.

• Entirely visual day timers may be appropriate for children who have language impairments.