Each day we have responsibilities to uphold for the school we teach for and each day I have developed a schedule. From posting a main post to grading everyday has tasks which need to be taken care of so meet the deadlines and requirements of the school. R. Waters
Ann,
Oh - you are not alone. It's challenging for lots of us. But, you learn time management and workload management skills as you go along. Keep working on keeping up! ;-)
Balancing life and work teaching online has been a challenge for me. One of the things I have learned in being an on-line instructor is that I have to be organized. I check student email and grade assignments every night. If I do not keep up with this, it can quickly become more than I can get accomplished in one evening. I work full time and also teach face to face so staying on task is vital for me to be successful. I hate paying for it when I do not do this so the reward for me as an instructor is to keep up with it.
John and Roger,
We do tend to become more efficient in our work and communication with students. Writing directions is also a part of the communication process and making them clear is essential. Thanks for the tip.
John,
Excellent. When we designate specific time for specific duties we are more likely to "get the job done" as needed. We do learn to multi-task, but organization skills and priority management skills help us with that as well. Thanks!
Roger,
I couldn't agree with you more. My planning for online work and family life is completely focused on freeing up as much of my personal time as I can. I have grown to the point that I am very efficient in the work that I am able to do during the time I set aside. I also keep directions and the written word to very short and simple sentences. I usually test my sentences on my wife or children. If I get an, "I'm confused look," I go back to the drawing board on the drafted message.
I balance work and life by setting aside actual office hours during the week. I typically have an hour of office time while my children take baths and get ready for bed. In that hour, I can respond to posts, discussions or even plan for continued education for myself. I am typically the first one up in my home so I find that the early mornings also provide time for me to read and grade papers. My family time is truly family time. When everyone is ready to move around and spend time doing whatever it is they want, I put 100% of my focus in on that. I am truly an expert at multi-tasking so it is easy for me to grade papeers while my children's favorite cartoon is on. Bottom line, I plan for the office time and take whatever windows of opportunity I can to complete work.
Christina,
Very interesting point. Many do not think about the work/life separation as they seem to work all the time. That is one thing the online instructor must carefully consider. We have to set those designated times for work and life. Thanks for bringing this up!
Because of the computer-associated nature of online teaching, success is often a frame of mind. When talking with colleagues in the corporate world, I often hear that they would never work from home because they want more of a work/life separation. For those that need a physical separation, online teaching can be a challenge. Especially with a home computer. Yet, I thrive off of working at home and using a home computer. It is a frame of mind that once you close your course, you are not working. I can keep my computer open and don't need physical separation to focus on my non-work life.
Working too many hours can be very easy when working from home. This is a problem though because it creates diminishing returns for both the teacher and learners. In this case, it is important to set a specific time frame daily that is enough to accomplish the needed tasks, but does not keep the instructor in the course indefinitely.
Conni,
The 24 hour reply rule is common. Some online instructors even say 24-48 hours. We have to find what works for us and our students. Thanks.
Donna,
I try some of the techniques you mention as well, although sometimes the Internet connection in other places may limit the speed in answering emails. However, my rule is to take no longer than 24 hours, and typically less than 12.
Connie
Monica,
Time management and priority management are assisted through a schedule. We have to continue to strive for the balance we need. Thanks for your tips.
I had to create a schedule to help me implement my time management skills. The schedule was very detailed and precise. The schedule allowed me to assess and manage my time wisely. I found that creating a schedule was the most effective way to balance my home life with my personal and work life.
The schedule would indicate specific days and time for certain tasks. For instance I would allow a minimum of one to two hours daily to either manage and or facilitate the course. Certain days were designated to review assignments and grade while other days I posted in the discussion threads and answered emails.
Michael,
Very good. These checklists can provide students will an opportunity to make sure they are meeting all requirements. Thanks!
Michael,
Structure is the key to developing balance. Thanks for the information you have provided as it gives others key tips on how to develop that balance themselves. Thanks again!
I agree. I have created checklist for students to use so that they can self check their work prior to turning it in. I find the self checklist also helps to reduce the number of email questions I get on what is expected.
I balance work and life while teaching online by having a disciplined and structured schedule.
Sunday Nights I set up the classroom for the new week that begins on Monday. I will post an annoucement to students doing a recap of the expectations for the week and I will prime the disucssion boards with questions for the students to consider.
Monday night I faciliate my live chat sessions
Tuesday and Wed I will be online for my office hours and do my grading. I check emails each evening at 9 pm and do my discussion board post then as well
Steve,
Ah - you have to work more on balance particularly on weekends and vacations. Keep trying.
But - glad you live in paradise! ;-)
Katrina,
Way back when. . .our back up in F2F classes for our PowerPoint were transparencies. ;-) We've had back ups for quite some time and still need them - just in another format. Thanks!
Katrina,
Two toddlers will definitely keep you on your toes. So, when you have any down time at all, I know you're catching up and planning ahead. Thanks!
