The hardest thing has been balancing a full time job in addition to teaching online part time. I've started using my lunch break to check emails from students and then setting aside at least 30 minutes each night to grade as we go through the week so it is not as overwhelming when it is time for all grades to be in.
I learned years ago in business to have what I call a To Do List, where I keep track of things that I need to do.
In addition to this I keep a pocket calendar with notations for things scheduled for each day.
Between these two items my life is quite restricted and structured.
Frank,
Setting aside that key time is essential. Keeping a calendar can help you keep on task and stay on top of things. Thanks!
I set aside time each day on my Outlook calendar for communicating with students, grading papers and other general tasks in the classroom. I usually do this first thing in the morning and then again later in the evening. This helps me to stay on top of things in the classroom.
Frank Nolan
Anne,
Calendars, schedules, lists, etc. are all essential to stay on track. We do have things that must be done, but must be able to be flexible. Thanks!
Time management is critical to successful online teaching. I have a calendar check off list I use each week to space out and manage the workload. Some of the items are MUST be done today items. Some of the items are "work on these if time avails to make your life better when time might not be on your side items." Life happens. Just like our students we cannot afford to procrastinate until the due date.
Terri Beth,
Ah - color coding. A person after my own heart. Nice job. Thanks for all of your input.
Karen,
A schedule and checklist can help us tremendously so that we stay on task and identify all of the things we need to do. Keep it up!
I use Google calendar to color-code specific tasks (i.e. one color for dropbox assignment grading and another for discussion board grading ) and for important dates, such as the dates on which a course begins or ends. This enables me to plan out my work week for the more routine tasks, while looking ahead and strategizing for any large upcoming projects. By looking at both the short term and the long range, it help to make the schedule more manageable and (hopefully) prevent missed deadlines. I am always looking for ways to make the process more efficient without compromising quality, of course, and I am eager to "hear" other perspectives on this issue!
Best,
Terri Beth
To effectively manage my time in the online classroom I schedule time to do each tasks, such as answering e-mail from students, responding and prompting questions on discussions and grading assignments. I also create a checklist for each of these, just in case I am interrupted with an urgent issue. I find that by setting a certain amount of time to work on each of these tasks I am able to complete all that I have to do.
Kara,
How do you figure out how much time you need for communication, grading, etc.? Your tips will be helpful to others. Thanks!
I have developed a great many time management skills. The biggest thing I have done is figured out how much time I need to allocate for each day to get my tasks done. As long as I do that, I am on the right track.
Daniel ,
Time management, or as many refer to it now, priority management, is essential in all teaching, but especially online teaching. And, expecting the unexpected can help you not "freak out" when things happen. Thanks for your input.
I concur with my colleagues in terms of time management. Privacy, quiet, focus, and sufficient hours specifically geared to accomplishing a set of tasks. The ability to juggle large classes with the need to provide substantive replies to each student is challenging, especially for new learners. Also, I expect tech issues to occur weekly and parse out about 30 minutes for said events e.g frozen Adobe meeting.
Tasha,
We must be related because I have those same relatives. Ha! Have a great week and take care.
Look forward to your next post.
Thanks, Dr. Crews!
I happen to have a few "fly by the seat of their pants" family members and it has always perplexed me how they do it! :)
T Brown
Tasha,
Organization and time/priority management are essential to helping us keep a balanced life (as well as we can). Reserving time to work and keeping up with your calendars are essential components to this organization. Thanks for the tips!
I have found that general organization is what helps me the most! Even in my personal life, I tend to be the kind of person who likes to have a good idea of what needs to be accomplished during the day. I am always sure to have my monthly and weekly calendars available, with a block of time reserved for unexpected events. I also tend to spread my work out over the entire week, so that on any given day I do not feel too overwhelmed!
T. Brown
Vimlarani,
It's not only time management, but priority management as well. You mention so many things for us to think about. Thanks for your input.
A time management skill is a technique for managing your personal or business life. It shifts all tasks to a designated time, person or place and encompasses a broad range of things such as setting goals, planning and scheduling, prioritizing, delegating, and decision making. Integrating time management skills gives you the ability to control your workload in your business and your personal life.
