Get Your Students Hired
I have a daily planner that i use to budget every hours of the day. I multitask consistantly throughout the day. Without a planner, tasks would go unfinished.
Sara,
Sounds like you have a plan that works for you. I personally like music and it's not a distraction for me. We are all different. Thanks for your input.
Hello Dr. Crews and Colleagues, :-)
I have developed several time management skills that have allowed me to be a successful online instructor. I exercise first thing in the morning; after eating breakfast, I facilitate my classes. I find I'm most productive and alert at that hour. I minimize distractions by working in a quiet environment – no TV or radio, and no surfing the Net.
I use traditional calendars as well as electronic mediums to keep track of meetings, etc. I have lists on which I write daily "things to do" that enable me to know specifically what needs to be accomplished each day. I check off each task as it's completed.
Colleagues, do you feel it's more helpful to use traditional scheduling methods, or do you prefer electronic ones?
Best,
Sara Fine
Daron,
Sounds like you have figured "your system" out. Doing the "night" thing works for you and your family, but also for your students. Thanks for sharing.
Tina, this is an excellent topic and well needed. I like to set aside time for grading and responding to discussion post's between 9 and 11pm. During these times I have little to no distractions as the kids are sleeping, no phone distractions and I can work without interruption. I suggest to students to also find that quiet time to work so they don't get pulled in several directions.
Rosalind,
Calendars, to do lists, etc. are helpful in the time management process. Staying on task benefits you and your students. Nice job.
I create a calendar of events for each course I teach. This includes when items are due for grading or review. It also includes my live presentations to the students and any special deadlines I give a student. This keeps me on task with my students and my supervisors.
Dehlly,
Good. We do have to organize our time and I am glad you brought up a quiet place. Some work well in a quiet place and some like a little noise. I listen to music when I work. It's interesting how we all find what works for us. Thanks.
P.S. Let's not use all caps in our postings. It's like shouting. Thanks!
SET A TIME TO DO MY WORK...AND STICK TO IT.
SET A QUIET TIME.
WORK ON MY COURSE EVERY DAY.
CHECK DBs, DROP BOX AND EMAILS 9EVERY DAY.
Faith,
Thanks for the detail in how your organize your time and duties. This will be beneficial to many other online instructors. Nice job. You have learned a lot in your time as an online instructor.
Emily ,
I read the other day that To Do Lists are one way people avoid reflecting on what they have done. ;-) Maybe that's why I make so many lists. Get it done and move one. ;-) But, we do have to reflect on what we have done and how well it was done. Thanks!
I have many! Lists, lists, lists! I work best in the morning so I stick to that time. (I also encourage my students ton figure out the best time that they work and stick to those times as well.)
The time management skills I have developed as an online instructor include structured mornings since I am a "morning person". I use a wall calendar and a white board to jot down important notes and due dates.
Each week I make a daily list (M-F) of tasks that need to be completed. I use this to keep myself on track and not overload myself with work.
In the past, and before I made this list, I would try to get everything accomplished in the first two or three days. I ended up working long days and stressing myself out.
I have since learned that balance is vital to my success! I maintain peace and am much happier!
Janelle,
You bring up some good points and provide examples for others to learn from. I manage priorities more than time any more. :-) Thanks!
Managing my time has changed over the last few years. In the beginning of my teaching career, I easily became overwhelmed with the many duties I had to accomplish on a daily basis. Through trial and error, I believe I have found a system that allows me to meet the daily demands of my classes while also being able to interact with my students in a genuine way. One skill I have adapted is utilizing my Google Calendar for everything classroom related. I enter in time to respond to emails, my Live Chat schedule, days for Discussion Board posts, etc. This allows me to feel as if I control my schedule rather than it controlling me. This skill in addition to many others truly allows me to enjoy the time I have to teach my students without the stress of managing my classroom.
Natasha,
You are right. That schedule/calendar is so important. At times we even have to look at our time management tools and think - it's not just about time management, but priority management. Thanks!
The time management skills I have developed as an online instructor is that I keep a calendar with to stay on track and focus with everything that I need to do for my class. It is important to keep to a schedule that helps with my time management.
Eleanor,
Good point. We have to schedule time to do what all we need to do - grading, communicating, etc. A schedule helps so many of us organize our time. Thanks!
It helps me to block out time on certain days to read assignments, issue grades, and facilitate discussion boards. It becomes part of my "work schedule" for those days just the same as if I was in an office environment. I also make sure these responsibilities are on my daily to-do list as well.
William,
Yes, I have 3 monitors connected to my computer. I love it. I've had two for about 10 years and progressed to 3 recently so I can always have my email or the LMS open on one. Nice job.