Course Design and Workload Management
What role does course design have in managing workload for the instructor?
Donald,
Teaching math may be different than teaching other subjects such as English or writing, but we can still learn from your experience. Thanks!
A well designed curse can reduce the workload on the instructor, allowing him or her to have a work/life balance. Teaching online can be overwhelming at times- knowing how to properly communicate with students, organize files, and maintain archives will greatly aid the online instructor in achieving balance.
I teach Algebra and Discrete Math, both of which are pretty structured in nature with a lot of rules to follow. The discussion boards, quizzes and individual projects have been defined by others in the past.
Where I have flexibility is in my live chats and my announcements and DB posting replies. I try to make the subject come alive more with examples that the student can identify with, something that allows them to appreciate that math is more than a dry subject, but one they use every day, and sometimes do not even realize it. Also, I like to use for illustration games or puzzling questions that make the student see that knowing some underlying math concepts can help them solve problems they might not have thought they could.
Story problems are always a challenge to students, because they have to translate the subjective nature of the English language statement of a problem into variables and equations prior to applying the rules and transformations to solve the equations and find the variable values or answers.
As for workload management, after teaching the same subjects for several years, I have a history file for these problems and for the standard answers when grading the DB's and IP's. I can then save time by cutting and pasting the standard answers plus adding custom comments as needed for each student.
Dr. Crews,
The course design plays a big role in this. A course that is not properly designed (and I have seen it), creates confusion, frustration, and sense of unprofessionalism, for both student and Professor. A good course design provides the backdrop for student and professor to understand the expectations and workload, making it clear so all involved can plan effectively.
Stephanie,
You are so right. Good course design influences good teaching. Feedback is a key component.
How the course is designed can have an impact on the workload for the instructor. Clearly, a user centered approach helps to maximize the learning of the student. In the technical age and the online format of many courses, instructors are often at the mercy of the instructional design and how the course is developed. So, there are times it might benefit the student but increase the workload of the instructor. The expectations also impact the workload of the instructor and every school has a different expectation. In those cases, the instructor should be giving ample feedback to course designers as to not only the student experience but the instructor experience as well.
Stephanie
krystal,
Anything that lessens the workload has got to be worth looking in to! ;-) Thanks for your input.
It lessens the workload for the instructor and organizes the material for prepared delivery.
Chander,
Student-centered learning is essential. Thanks DPE adding to the conversation.
Have a great weekend.
Developing a user-centered course design is a critical component of workload management strategy as it ensures efficient workload for the instructor which in turn maximizes learning for students as the course is designed based on their needs and feedback. Thanks
Monica,
We do have to think carefully about the course content and course format as we think about our workload. I love the FAQ discussion board and use is consistently in all courses. Thanks!
The course format plays a vital role in effectively managing a course workload. Therefore, creating a template will help to streamline the process. This allows the instructor to be proactive instead of reactive. For instance constructing a FAQ and posting it in the course will decrease the number of student emails and or phones calls requesting assistance and or clarity. This will allow the instructor to manage and review other administrative duties such as reviewing and grading papers.
Thomas,
does your institution provide a set template for all online courses? If so, what does it look like?
Thanks!
A well designed template makes it much easier to set up the course and to grade it.
Vimlarani,
I agree. We should help them understand the pros/cons, but also what they can do to become better online learners and let then know we are there to facilitate their learning. Thanks!
Most instructors are already familiar with the many advantages and disadvantages of online learning, but it’s worth going over a few of them here. Online courses are self-paced; students can speed up or slow down as needed. They can skip over material they already know and focus on topics they most want or need to learn. Geographical barriers are eliminated.
• Automate parts of the course whenever possible.
• Create a “What’s New†section to let your students focus on new assignments or learning materials without having to review the entire course.
• Organize a group of instructors and students on your campus who are experienced in online course design and delivery to help support faculty when they encounter technical or content difficulties with online instruction.
• Be aware of the assessment workload per student when you first design course assignments.
• Determine what kind of technical support you have available.
• Communicate with students early in the semester about how to best use the course, along with any expected difficulties with the technology.
Cyndy,
Setting aside time specifically for coursework is an excellent idea. We have to make sure we limit our interruptions during this time as well. Self-motivation plays an essential role in this process as well. Thanks!
I have priorities, and I stick to the plan,. I have set aside one evening each week specific to my class, and despite lack of participation, I am consistently there as promised. The expectations have specifically been I would say doubled since my accepting this position, but that too I Have adjusted to. My part time job has kinda turned into a second full time job, but because I enjoy this work, and the students, I make the adjustments to meet the requirements of the employer. But it is certain, if you can not be self motivated, this is not the job for you. I am disturbed when students compliment me for doing my job, and how they state that previous instructors have not demonstrated the same process as I have. I make no remarks, and simply state that I am glad that I am meeting their needs.
maryln,
Course design has a huge impact on the online classroom. Students are affected by course design as they need to be able to navigate and find what they are looking for. Thanks!
