Heavy workload
Of the problems listed with maintaining students I think that a heavy workload is the most challenging to deal with. From personal experience the workload should be inline with the material that will be learned, relativity of the material and the credits earned. The courses that I have taken have all been reasonable with the exception of one. It was a World Literature course and the per- reading assignments and course reading assignments alone were discouraging. Prior to the start of the course I re-enrolled into a different global course that was more manageable. Because this course was a general studies class I could not justify the hours that would be involved in being successful.
Lee,
I like how you don't assume the students know how best to proceed with the course content and you guide them through their time management and organization to help them manage those aspects. You are obviously focused on their success!
Herbert Brown III
Lee,
I like how you don't assume the students know how best to proceed with the course content and you guide them through their time management and organization to help them manage those aspects. You are obviously focused on their success!
Herbert Brown III
Kathleen,
With each unit, I provide an outline for how I think the assignments should be completed. I suggest that they complete the readings in the beginning of the week. Start the assignment in the middle of the week. This leaves a couple of days to review the assignment and submit the assignment before the due date. By following this plan, students are able to handle any last minute family/work obligations that may prevent their timely submission of the assignment.
There are weeks where people can have incredibly high workloads, but that does not always occur. For example, I chose to get up a 4 a.m. to engage in this course because it is quiet and I know I will not be disturbed. Everyone has the same time constraint, which is 24 hours a day or 168 hours in a week.
One of the greatest things about online classes is that students have the flexibility to fit it into their time schedules. If a student knows ahead of time what the weekly hourly commitment might be to a specific course, it is helpful to ask students to create a schedule that shows themselves when they will be able to dedicate time to taking a class.
There is a lot of scheduling software, but a simple Excel spreadsheet can also accommodate the situation. Also, creating realistic expectations about time requirements is essential and if certain topics or areas of discussion require more time, then it is helpful to alert students in advance about which topics will require more time so a student is prepared in advance.
Sometimes students do not know how to prioritize their study time. It is helpful for online teachers to offer guidance and to instruct students on which concepts are the most valuable to learn.
Finally, if an instructor makes a course interesting that has a heavy workload, it sweetens the student's attitude and lets the student know the teacher cares even though the course may be very challenging and demanding.
Sheryl,
I would suggest that you work with the student to determine what might be able to be changed in their schedule to reduce workload as well. For example, the student could reduce the number of courses they are taking to reduce their workload. Time mgmt. and organization skills can help, but ultimately students have to determine how much they can realistically handle in their lives.
Herbert Brown III
I've found different colleges have different expectations in this area. If a student complains about workload, offering time mgt techniques is not always enough to retain them. Any suggestions?
The work load should of three hours of work at home for every credit hour of the course. For example, a five credit hours course usually should need 15 hours of work at home.
