Reducing Email Overload When Teaching Online

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Renae Tvedt

Tena,

Thanks for the great information posted here! I have taught online for only a brief time and I have learned (the hard way) about how the 'human factor' (like you previously stated) greatly comes into play. I've found that if the student has an issue with something in the classroom or not understanding something, that picking up the phone and discussing the issue gives a sense of humanity, rather than just 'someone who doesn't really care.' That short phone call gave us both human qualities and helped both of us! However, it DID become a very time-consuming term for me, which is why I find your tips so helpful. (especially your most recent response to Corey.)

I just recently took the ML 133 module (Goal Setting) and have found that I can use the information with regard to:

1. helping some of the students who may struggle with regard to setting goals (i.e. finishing the project assignment, the class, school, etc..) and

2. for me to help get the classroom results that I am hoping to achieve.

The idea of goal setting is to make goals SMART. (This may be common knowledge to many people, but it was great information for me to have learned. Below is an excerpt taken from the ML 133 module/course - Making goals SMART.)

S specific. Describe the details.

M measurable. Measure the goal using either quantitative or qualitative assessments.

A achievable. Can you achieve the goal?

R realistic. The goal is realistic with regard to time and resources.

T time-limited. The goal must be achieved in a specific time frame.

I am looking forward to putting all of this newly learned information into action! Again, Tena, thanks for sharing your insightful tips with all of us newbies so that we don't have to worry about being 'pressured' 24/7!

Tena, Thanks for the great information posted here!  I have taught online for only a brief time and I have learned (the hard way) about how the 'human factor' (like you previously stated) greatly comes into play.  I've found that if the student has an issue with something in the classroom or not understanding something, that picking up the phone and discussing the issue gives a sense of humanity, rather than just 'someone who doesn't really care.'   That short phone call gave us both human qualities and helped both of us! However, it DID become a very time-consuming term for me, which is why I find your tips so helpful. (especially your most recent response to Corey.)  I just recently took the ML 133 module (Goal Setting) and have found that I can use the information with regard to: 1. helping some of the students who may struggle with regard to setting goals (i.e. finishing the project assignment, the class, school, etc..) and 2. for me to help get the classroom results that I am hoping to achieve.  The idea of goal setting is to make goals SMART.  (This may be common knowledge to many people, but it was great information for me to have learned.  Below is an excerpt taken from the ML 133 module/course - Making goals SMART.) S specific.  Describe the details. M measurable.  Measure the goal using either quantitative or qualitative assessments. A achievable.  Can you achieve the goal? R realistic.  The goal is realistic with regard to time and resources. T time-limited.  The goal must be achieved in a specific time frame. I am looking forward to putting all of this newly learned information into action! Again, Tena, thanks for sharing your insightful tips with all of us newbies so that we don't have to worry about being 'pressured' 24/7!