Workload Management and Time Management
How do you manage your time when teaching online?
Hello Dr Crews
Workload management and time management goes hand in hand. I enjoy working and actually work when I should do other things in my life. To deal with time management, I do not allow myself to get sidetracked and stick to the agenda of prioritizing. I do this through being organized in my life. I also keep my desktop clean and organized so that files are quickly accessible and ready to be updated quickly.
Brigitte Powell
Assumption: Since this is an online course and doesn't meet at a specific time, I have lots of time to get everything done...WRONG! I've learned that the hard way. Specific time must be planned and programmed. For me, it's using a calendar and planning class events the same as if the class is brick and mortar. Maybe this isn't so important for others, but if you have a tendency to procrastinate...me?? Enough said!
George,
A good map can help us organize our thoughts and duties. Thanks for your input.
Stephanie,
It's not redundant, it's just good organizational skills. It's about priority management and not necessarily time management - although they work hand in hand!
To manage my time efficiently, I try to map out my weeks ahead of time and block out a couple of hours in evenings. I grade all of my courses on Monday afternoon / evenings. This helps me plan my week better and meet all my discussion expectations.After I have finished the grading, I send out announcements and post any other relevant and/or important things to the class.
I feel a little redundant in saying this, but I manage my time through organization and prioritization. I find when I sit down, I usually focus on grading early in the week and then discussions and then email responses. I check email periodically in a day and respond to any emergencies, but leave less pressing issues for later. I always make sure to hit the discussion board so I can stay on top of responses which helps to lighten the load later in the week when I am starting to feel the stress of the workweek and start to get into "weekend" mode. I try to take Thursdays or Fridays to be out of the classroom, with the exception of checking email.
Stephanie
Dr. Christopher,
Every course is different and our students' needs and expectations are also different. You give good advice though about managing all we do. Thanks!
I have to admit that each course I teach is a learning experience in workload management. Part of the fun of teaching online (or in the classroom) is that something new happens each time. But two tricks that I have learned is not trying to do it all at one time, and to block out spots of time for specific tasks. I use time tracking software to try and get a sense of how my time is spent and to make adjustments if I find I am spending too much time on fun stuff rather than important, need to do stuff.
I need to better:
1. Manage email disruptions.
2. Manage meetings and phone calls.
I do a pretty good job of setting student expectations for replies to email and the like. I do a pretty good job of handling grading and discussion boards, again setting expectations with students.
-Chris
Amos,
You're right. We have to look at the integration piece to make the most of our time. Thanks!
Hello,
You are correct, it does take many steps to manage life as an online instructor. Many times, it requires looking for ways to integrate home functions and how to make the task needed for classroom management added to one's daily functions.
Scott,
Seems like we work in similar ways. Thanks for your tips through this forum. I know others are learning from your posts.
I create a weekly too do list, and I literally do not end my day until each week item from DB threads to email to grading is completed.
Lisa,
Sounds like you have a plan that works for you. I keep my weekends open, but if you work on Saturdays, make sure you take other down time. Thanks for your input.
I have a set schedule for office hours and am available on Saturdays for one-on-one consultations by appointment.
Daron,
Do you offer participation points for the Web meetings? I typically require that students attend 2 Web meetings and I schedule 4 or 5 at all different times and days. Then, they know up front (first day of class) that they have to arrange their schedules only twice during the course to come to the Web meetings. They receive participation points for attendance and engagement. Hope this is helpful.
I am an online teacher as well as a ground adjunct instructor and fine the balance between the two vast. I manage my time by being prepared for each and keep them separate. I find that by having my templates and materials prepared before the start I can focus primarily on the students and their learning needs. I schedule the web meetings and office hours when I am totally free and available, I wish teh participation in those was greater. If you have any suggestions on how to get them involved in those I would really appreciate that.
Krystal,
I agree too. We all need breaks throughout the day and/or night. Thanks for adding to the conversation.
I agree with Steven that downtime and a schedule are necessary. I also think that too much computer access will change many personal habits and create health problems. Allowing time in the day to have physical activity or to counter the effects of looking at a computer for long periods can do.
Lisa,
Organization is key and I'm finding that I also need to work on priority management along with time management. Thanks!
