Procrastination
I sometimes feel like online instructors tend to multi-task too much which results in difficulty in focusing on the task at hand. There are instant messages, e-mails, social networking sites ( too many distractions) I am finding this to be a challenge and also the reason why I procrastinate on some of the tasks. There are just too many distractions.
Do any of you feel the same way sometimes ?
Seema Vaid
Indeed, I feel this way sometimes. We know from our online classes, there is often less structure than in so-called traditional classes. This lack of structure certainly presents a challenge to our students, and it can present a similar challenge to us instructors!
One thing I do to avoid distractions is schedule time for email (e.g. each day check email once first thing in the morning, then once in the late afternoon/evening.
That is a good idea Joseph ! Thanks for sharing it.
I agree, Seema,
Destractions are the main issue with working from home. It has good points and less desired points. To overcome this, I utilize time management skills, as discussed here.
Great to read you all.
Prof. Davis
I experience similar challenges Seema. I recommend trying to limit your communication channels (email, IM, phone) to just one during stressful times. Sometimes tasks feel easier to manage when they are all coming in through the same source.
I found interesting that you felt your online classes had less structure than traditional classes. I often feel the opposite. I feel that things are often so structured that there's not a lot of leeway. I think the biggest factor in my procrastination is the constancy. It's like a never ending race. You get to the finish line only to discover that you are starting the next race.
I like your idea of setting certain times of day for answering emails.
I agree with limiting your distractions will help from feeling overwhelmed, however, I feel it goes a little deeper then that. Procrastination is a learned behavior, You have to train yourself to stay on task. Your "to do list" will help you stay on task and help you from procrastination.
Cathy Dutertre
Indeed, procrastination is a learned behavior. I worked in the graphic design business for years, completed thousands of jobs, on 'spec', never missing a deadline. Once I began teaching, where the deadlines aren't nearly as rigorous, I found myself putting things off - sometimes just to make things more exciting (I used to work well under pressure).
Gradually, things got further out of hand and sometimes other bad habits took hold (laziness, self indulgence and lack of focus).
To keep on track a "to do" list is the easiest solution to implement and it's FREE!
Yes that's right. And a to do list is free. Can't beat that.
A to do list has helped me so much and has helped me accomplish a lot of things.
