One thing I do is use two monitors when grading. I open my student's paper on one and the grade book on the other. As I read the assignment I put comments on the grade book with points deducted. Then when done, I put in the grade and submit. This saves me allot of time as compared to switching back and forth from one sheet shot to the other or from printing out the assignment.
I also refer to each student by their first name and use please and thanks allot. This helps to eliminate emails from angry students. They realize I do care about them.
Christina,
Ah - the morning person. ;-) I too am a morning person, but know of many who are those night owls who stay up after everyone goes to bed. We all have to work our schedule to meet our needs and the needs of our students. And, sometimes going back to basics helps us a lot. Thanks!
I have also found that waking up early before my family is the most productive time for me to focus on my courses. I enjoy a nice cup of coffee with peace and quiet while completing my course tasks. I also work well late at night when everyone else is asleep. I guess I am saying that I focus best when everyone else is sleeping! Accomplishing tasks first thing in the morning or last thing at night makes me feel better, especially because I know that I have completed another task on my list.
I need to start utilizing electronic calendars better. No matter how many I have tried using in the past, I always seem to go back to the old fashion paper calendar or hand written "to-do list". You have motivated me to get back to my Outlook Calendar and use it to my time managing advantage!
Rafael,
Remember too, that priority management is important too. So many times we just fill up our calendar with times and things to do, but don't really think about the priority of things. Thanks for your input. You are not along. ;-)
Time management is still an issue for me. I know that I work best during the mid-morning, so I typically attempt to get the majority of my tasks complete then. More often than not, I find myself scrambling soon after 2:00pm. I'm going to attempt the three lists of three starting this week. Perhaps that will help.
Time management is still an issue for me. I know that I work best during the mid-morning, so I typically attempt to get the majority of my tasks complete then. More often than not, I find myself scrambling soon after 2:00pm. I'm going to attempt the three lists of three starting this week. Perhaps that will help.
Jocelyn,
Time management and priority management are essential. The consistency you can "provide" yourself, in turn, helps your students as well. Thanks for your input.
Time Management is important for anyone and perhaps more so when working from home in an environment that can have many distractions.
I utilize several different items to ensure I am on track.
I have a physical checklist that I view daily and review. This works in conjunction with my outlook / google calendar reminders and is immediately portable.
Consistency with scheduling also helps. Chats are scheduled at the same time every term. Meetings and other items have specific blocks of time. This means that when I "out of the office" I know when I should have time to do other things and I do not over book a period of time.
Also - I try to get the work done a day in advance. This allows for periodic unforeseen events.
Jocelyn Williamson
Faryl and John,
Thnnks for continuing the conversation. We have to think about various courses and how they play into our time management plan. Thanks for your input in this forum.
Faryl,
Sounds like you have a plan. When we can organize and keep up with our tasks through that organization, we will find more time later for other things. Thanks!
John,
I agree with you with regard to the connection. Both classrooms should in essence be handled the same way from a time management perspective.
Faryl Moore
I have a work schedule I have created for myself. Within this schedule I have a list of tasks I do during each scheduled work session. For example,
Mondays I grade and answer emails 3-6pm
Tuesdays answers emails and participate in discussion 4-5pm.
Shenita,
Your "only" job is a big one! ;-) The schedule you use with specific due dates is a great tool to assist with time management. Sounds like you're able to handle all tasks. Thanks for sharing.
Being an online instructor is my only job; therefore, it was pretty easy to develop time management skills. I created a weekly schedule. Based on my deadlines, I perform certain tasks on different days. My schedule is pretty solid and I'm able to complete all of my tasks in a timely manner. S. Jenkins
John ,
Good point. I like your connection between the online classroom and the ground classroom. Nice job.
The most critical skill I have found is to make sure you treat your online duties the same way as your ground classroom duties. That is, establish an appropriate wokplace with minimal dsitractions, focus on the students and what you ar delivering, establish a set schedule of times, dates and tasks,and stick to it. This type of structure sets the tone for the entire class expectations for both you and the student
Patricia,
Love that you use the word scaffolding and "broken down" in the same sentence. ;-) Many times you have to break down to be able to build up or build upon! Thanks!
Hi Dr. Tena,
I have put together some scaffolding tools which I have broken down my time and my classes so that I can manage them effectively every week. I added all of my due dates and expectations that have to be done every week. I have also done the same thing for the students in order to help them manage their time every week. I give them a recommendation of how much time they should spend every day with the required due dates.
PAtricia
Antonio,
Your schedule can provide food for thought for others. Thanks.
Antonio,
Sounds like you have a plan that works! Keep it up. We can learn from your example!
