While there are many habits and skills that contribute to academic success in high school, there is a great deal of research to suggest that organization is a key component to optimal productivity and achievement. Depending on the type of course being studied and how the course is delivered, organization might look a little different in each case.
National Clean Out Your Virtual Desktop Day
In North America, the 3rd Monday in October is informally acknowledged as National Clean Out Your Virtual Desktop Day. Back in 2010, this day was born out of the Personal Computer Museum in Brantford, Ontario, Canada, highlighting the importance of keeping our virtual workspaces as neat as our physical ones. While this is noted as a “fun holiday”, the intention and purpose behind this day has great value for academic success, especially for students who are pursuing their studies through an online virtual school, such as Ontario Virtual School.
Importance of Organization
Students who enrol in courses at Ontario Virtual School experience the benefit of completing entire courses online from the comfort of their own homes. Whether students learn and complete assignments from the couch in the living room, a table in the kitchen, or a desk in a bedroom, the common denominator between all 3 scenarios is the use of an electronic device, such as a computer, laptop or iPad.
Just like a physical desk, when these devices become cluttered and disorganized, it becomes more challenging and stressful to get work done quickly and efficiently. It becomes difficult to locate files, know what to do next, and access important tools for productivity.
How to Observe National Clean Out Your Virtual Desktop Day
People who observe National Clean Out Your Virtual Desktop Day have offered suggestions on how to take full advantage of this day, especially for those who use a device frequently for school or work. Some of the suggestions are as follows:
- Back up important files and sort through what you need and what you can delete
- Create folders for documents you want to keep
- Adopt a consistent file-naming system to locate documents easily
- Uninstall programs you no longer use
- Use cloud storage to keep files accessible without cluttering your computer
- Prioritize regular maintenance tasks like updates and cleaning the hardware itself
- Change your desktop decor to a calming landscape or colour palette
Benefits of Virtual Desktop Organization
According to an article written in the International Journal of Research Publication and Reviews, the research suggests that “a clean and organized desk creates a sense of order and control, reduces stress and anxiety, enhances focus, and improves overall work performance” (Singh et. al, 2023, p. 1440). Whether students are taking just a couple of courses with OVS, such as ENG4U online or SBI4U online, or completing their entire Ontario high school diploma online, organization is the key to online success. It supports students with time management online as well as avoiding procrastination in online classes.
Supporting Students in their Success
At Ontario Virtual School, we want students to be as successful as possible. This is why we dedicate staff and resources to ensuring students have the support and skills they need to succeed in a virtual world. If you’re looking for more tips for online success, reach out to one of our Guidance Counsellors today!
FAQ: Why Virtual Organization Is the Key to Online Success
1. What does “virtual organization” mean?
Virtual organization refers to keeping your digital workspace — files, folders, and programs — clean and structured so that you can easily find what you need. It’s like keeping your physical desk tidy, but online.
2. Why is organization so important for online learning?
When your digital workspace is organized, you spend less time searching for files and more time learning. Studies show that an organized environment reduces stress, boosts focus, and increases productivity — all essential for online success.
3. What is National Clean Out Your Virtual Desktop Day?
Celebrated on the third Monday in October, this day was started by the Personal Computer Museum in Brantford, Ontario, to remind us to keep our digital spaces clutter-free. It’s a great opportunity for students to refresh their virtual desks and improve efficiency.
4. How can students clean and organize their virtual desktops?
- Back up and sort important files
- Delete what you no longer need
- Create clearly labeled folders
- Use consistent file names
- Uninstall unused programs
- Try cloud storage for easy access
- Choose a calming desktop background
5. How does an organized virtual space help prevent procrastination?
When your workspace feels manageable and distraction-free, it’s easier to start tasks and stay focused. Being organized promotes a sense of control, making it less tempting to delay work.
6. How does Ontario Virtual School support student success?
OVS provides flexible learning options and ongoing support from teachers and guidance counsellors, helping students develop strong organizational and time-management skills to thrive in an online environment.
Written by Natalie Tayler (OVS Teacher)
Sources
Days Of The Year. (2025, April 7). National Clean Your Virtual Desktop Day | Days of the Year. Days of the Year. https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/clean-your-virtual-desktop-day/
Earning your high school diploma. (2025, June 27). ontario.ca. https://www.ontario.ca/page/earning-your-high-school-diploma
National Clean Out Your Virtual Desktop Day – fun holiday. (n.d.). https://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/fun/national-clean-out-your-virtual-desktop-day
Singh, M., 1, Saini, M., 2, Surjey, A., 3, & Kate, V., 4. (2023). Clean and organized desk helps improve your productivity. In International Journal of Research Publication and Reviews, International Journal of Research Publication and Reviews (Vol. 4, Issue 4, pp. 1440–1441). https://ijrpr.com/uploads/V4ISSUE4/IJRPR11525.pdf