In an online setting I get the feeling that my students think that I am a 24/7 professor because we have Instant Messenger, discussion board, and email.
I have empathy for my students because many are working adults in a non-traditional setting, and because of that, I leave my computer running, and check the boards every 2 – 4 hours for any urgent request over the weekends.
I find that students give good feedback at the end of the course when professors are available to answer questions outside the posted office hours. Darcel Tolliver
Trang ,
I clearly state in the syllabus when I will check email and Blackboard; however, I tell my students NOT to email me but list questions/answers on the FAQ discussion board so all can learn from the questions. That has helped me very much. I give a 24 hour turn around for anything submitted Sunday - Thursday. So that eliminated weekend.
Students think that since they are taking an online course that their instructor is available 24/7. I am not available 24/7. I am available most of the time. I remind students that I am available mainly via email. Students can also call and is reminded to leave a message if I am unable to answer. I return emails and phone calls within 24 hours during the weekday and 24 to 48 hours on the weekend.
Dawn,
I do too. I learn something new every day.
It's wonderful!
Yes. I say that to my students and even my kids. I tell them go to school to learn 1 thing new everyday as I do the same.
Jeanette and Leah,
It's nice to see that sometimes others have the same issues we have. Thanks for sharing you ideas and opening up to others.
Thanks again.
Dawn,
Keep on keepin' on! We learn something new every day. I try to emphasize that to my students as well. Thanks!
I agree! That is the best part of being an instructor. Lifelong learning.
Leah,
I've had that issue as well. Students seem to think that as an instructor you are simply sitting around waiting for an email.
In a way I can understand why they have that misperception. For instance, I do go online in my class room at odd hours. If I'm sitting around at home relaxing I find myself going into my virtual classroom to check on "Discussin", emails etc.
Sometimes I'll post something and a student will respond.
Dawn,
We are people - not just robots sitting online waiting to automatically respond. It's good everyone undertands that. It's also an important part of the community of learners I try to develop in my classes. We all learn from each other!
Thanks!
Leah,
Ha! You're so right. I make it very clear in my syllabus that an "immediate response" for me is 24 hours. And, I tell the students exactly when I check the discussion board, email, LMS, etc. It's all in the expectations and helping the studnets undertand the expectations. ;-)
That is a great tactic. Never heard of that but I think it would help humanize us as a person and not an automatic grading robot. Research has suggested that including a photo of yourself or photos of what you do or like to do help. It gives us a face and a personality. In the classroom students get an idea of me as a person, so in an online setting it makes sense to include info and pictures that do the same thing.
It amazes me how many think you are a 24/7 customer service rep! One thing I do is post my own introduction as well talking about some things I like to do such as skiing, swimming etc. This helps them realize you are a person with hobbies, family etc not just someone sitting at the computer WAITING for their response.
James,
And, I refer them to the syllabus as it is all laid out there as well. I have a FAQ discussion board and ask students to post questions there and not just simply email/text when they feel like it. The FAQ helps all students and reduces my email overload.
Thanks for your input.
I usually just remind them of my office hours and availability times, and advise if there is a problem outside those times if I am online and they can see me in the instant messaging section to go ahead and ask me whatever it is they want to ask.
Ed,
Excellent technique. If students are required to also have Web cams and they will be presenting or using the camera when they ask questions, it's even more imperative to be there early so they can test their equipment. Nice job.
Most of our instructors log into the classrooms an hour before class starts and remain in classrooms after class has completed to mentor or answer questions that were not properly understood during class. During introductions they usually post hours of availability and encourage students to use the time before class and after class to ask question. We rarely run into any communication issues as many staff members contribute to responding to our students needs.
Brion and Kevin,
Yes, we all should have a life. :-/. Some are more busy than others but we are all busy. Helping everyone understand that is helpful. Thanks for your input.
Brion and Kelly,
Yes, I agree too. We try hard as online instructors to be timely in our feedback and communication but a general rule of thumb of 24 hours is good. Thanks.
Brion.,
You hiring up a very good point. Set fair guidelines and stick with them. As for late work, I simply do not accept it. When students get a zero once or twice due to late work, they typically don't do that again.
