Has teaching has become more stressful because of technology and other pressures?
Is teaching online more stressful than face to face or traditional classroom instruction?
I just talked with a few other online faculty members this morning and all seem to want to say "Yes" Are we in group-think and teaching has become more stressful because of technology and other pressuures.
Hi. I agree with everything that has been said -- even the differing points of view. We are different. Different forces stress us differently. I would just add that technology can reduce stress too. When I worry that my students have everything they need to do well on a test, I'm glad that they have an easy way to contact me and I'm glad that I can respond to them at 10:00 p.m.
Technology that is hard to learn or that does not work as it should stresses me.
I am sorry to see that you feel so strongly against technology. It is a tool. I, personally, more strongly grasp and retain information when the oral/written techniques are supplemented with images, video, and structural diagrams.
I also find them very helpful when taking on a new subject in the classroom. They can really help me work out the best order for topics within a subject.
Additionally, i do not share your thoughts about techno types merely getting rich off of us (unless you are relating it to iPhone apps or Film/Audio type applications).
I would also add that some of the older technology was certainly troublesome (overhead projectors, purple ink from duplicating, auto advancing slides,.... ).
Anyway, i hope that those who are comfortable with it use it well and those that aren't comfortable don't have to use.
Best regards........ Steven
I don't think it's "group think." My guess is that your colleagues are agreeing because it's true! I was a successful teacher for many decades without the use of all this expensive and potentially troublesome technology. Now we all have to become "techno-nuts" to do things that were easily accomplished before all the technology. It all sometimes seems self-defeating, and merely a way for the techno people to get rich off of us!
I don't really agree. You don't deal personally with dysfunctional students. Many of our students have criminal records and can be physically threatening. This includes one student coming on campus with a gun!
I would propose that we all have our own unique problems
However, I do feel like the general shift in time expectations (aka: NOW!) applies additional stress for us all.
This is apparent when managing 'ground' student's scheduling, attendance, etc.
Our administrators sometimes send out emails and then wonder what's wrong if we haven't answered within a two hour time period....
These are really good points Kimberly. With online teaching, there can be a lot lost in translation. We have to work extra hard to be sure we are interpreting student comments accurately, and that they have an accurate interpretation of us.
I agree. Especially when teaching online, I run into a lot of issues. Online totally depends on working technology, and there is no way around it. If I'm on-ground, I can come up with a back up plan.
I think there are many stressors in online not the same in a traditional classroom.
To name a few: the 24 hour accessibility keeps me working longer.
Also the boldness of students is greater I think online. In person people would not dare say/do something’s they do via email or in the chat room. You kind of have that chat room effect (I call it) this can increase the stress. Also people are not always aware of the tone of their responses etc.
Also I have to learn how to read the class in a different way. I can tell in a traditional classroom if my lecture is being understood. It is not always evident, even with activities and questions, if I am being understood. This also adds to stress.
No we are not in group think we are just not getting the face to face interaction that people need.
A recent study from NYU found that over 50% of online students suffer from a personality disorder so add to that the technological issues should it be any wonder instructors are stressed?
The online environment can not now or ever replace human interaction and communication. There simply is no substitute; especially when 93% of daily communication is nonverbal.
I would agree that each kind of teaching has unique stressors. Online teaching often has the added pressure of larger class sizes and the expectation that you will respond to students / provide feedback much faster.
