Too Much Availability, with Little Attendance?
While reading through this section, and these comments, a common "melody" rang through my head... as instructors we want to be available, however if we have chat rooms and instant messaging and question threads and email and and and..... however students are not taking advantage of all of those resources, are we spreading ourselves thin to then go out and create additional channels for students to utilize?
As instructors we are already checking numerous avenues of contact as offered by our schools and our creation (I create "question" and "let's talk" threads, as well as continuously remind students to be in touch via all the method available) is creating an alternate avenue just giving us extra work? Though none may use it we would still have to maintain and monitor it. As well, many of us [as adjuncts] work for more than one school, which would mean several additional sites to monitor.....any thoughts?
Karen,
Love your "melody." What a great term to use. ;-) We do have to be available and yet not become a 24/7 online instructor. I tell students NOT to email me unless it's a personal matter. All other questions about the course, assignments or anything applicable to the course should be posted on the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) discussion board. Then, everyone benefits from the questions and students. It has really helped reduce my email overload. Hope this is helpful.
Unfortunately, I keep turning back into a 24/7 instructor and it is unfortunate because after 5 years exclusively online I am looking elsewhere for employment. I love what I do, but certainly am not paid enough to work the 20+ hours a day I usually work.
I take classes and work towards less, but here I am New Years day...after working all day yesterday as well. It is quite overwhelming as many schools no longer understand what "adjunct" means.
I do use a "Questions Go Here" forum with weekly threads, where I answer all general questions and yes that has helped minimize email.
Thanks again. :-)
kam
Karen,
Give student minimal extra credit to answer the "Go Here" questions and that will help too. My students (and I have over 200 per class) do not email me unless it's a personal question. If they email me a course question, I tell them to put it on the FAQ discussion board so all can benefit. Then, the questions will be answered within 24 hours if posted Sunday - Thursday. I don't answer question on Saturday or Sunday, so if they post Friday, they'll have to wait until Monday. I have electronic office hours on Tuesday and Thursday and all assignments are due Wednesday at 5:00 p.m. I do not check email after 9:00 p.m. I also do NOT accept late work. Once students understand all of this, I'm NOT a 24/7 instructor. Hope this is helpful.
In three of my four schools, this is easy to do however the one school that I am [almost] guaranteed classes has no deadlines for work and we MUST accept what is submitted. It is easier when working for one employer to not be a 24/7 instructor but when you are working for more, not so easy.
Karen,
Wow! You MUST accept what is submitted whenever it is accepted. That would be difficult not to be assessing student work all the time. Is there anything in which you can automate the grading (i.e., multiple choice/TF quizzes or tests)? That would help.
Keep plugging along!
No Ma'am, but I keep hoping... :-)
Karen,
Can't have too much hope. Keep on keeping on!
Take care.
You have some great points. It is important to find balance and teach students to plan ahead. If we continue to respond immediately students will expect it. In the workplace (that we are preparing student for) responses are not immediate. It is important to set limits and force ourselves to follow these limits. We are training them for the "real" world!
Sheila,
Helping students with time management skills is essential. So many times students procrastinate and it is only to their detriment. Thanks!
