Teacher's Aid

Resources and References for Online Teachers

The Online Teacher's Workload--What to Expect and How to Handle It

Teachers want to help their students succeed in class, and technology has improved their accessibility. Instead of waiting to talk after class or going to your office hours, a student can shoot off an email at midnight and you can answer it the next morning. An online class increases the prevalence of this phenomenon, but being too available can quickly lead to the impression that you're always "on call." This can contribute to burnout. Consequently, organization and time management are the keys to handling the workload of an online class.

Organize Your Workspace

Be sure to have a separate space where you can conduct your online class. If possible, find a place where you can close the door to minimize interruptions. Set up a separate login on your computer for your teaching files. Dedicate a separate file drawer in your desk or filing cabinet for each class. And purge your computer and paper files weekly to avoid buildup of unnecessary documents.

Organize Yourself

Allot separate increments of time for administrative duties, grading, answering student emails, and responding to bulletin board or forum comments. Keep to the schedule and don't let the tasks bleed over into each other. If you finish one task early, take a break. If your schedule doesn't allow enough time for another task, adjust it.

Organize your Class

Provide your students with a detailed syllabus. Be sure that your policies for attendance and participation are easily understood. Make your calendar as detailed as you can, with dates for each test and/or paper set at the beginning of the semester.

Automate When Possible

Learn how to use the filter function of your email program. You can direct emails from your students to go into a specific file. Create templates for routine communications such as a welcome email, deadline reminders, office hour reminders, etc.

Set Boundaries

Set virtual office hours for each class you teach and be sure to keep them, even if no students show up to chat. Put minimum and maximum turnaround times for student emails on your syllabus and stick to your schedule. Email has changed students' expectations, even in the traditional classroom. If your students think you are accessible 24/7, they will contact you 24/7, and expect you to be sitting by your computer waiting for their email.

Be Patient

Taking or teaching an online class for the first time can be daunting. Just as in traditional classes, some students may require a little extra handholding. Keeping a detailed and organized schedule will help you keep your sanity and help you provide the best support to your students.

Source:

• Austrialian Flexible Delivery Community, "How to Manage Your Online Teacher Workload," by Kate Butler