Time Management Tips For eLearning – Online Instructors

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Contrary to popular belief, instructing for eLearning online is not easy. It involves a certain amount of pressure and presents considerable challenges to instructors in ways that are similar in a traditional learning environment. Since convenience in time is one of the key features of this innovation, it is critical that they practice effective time management techniques and strategies to guarantee quality courses to students who expect to benefit from the various perks of eLearning online. Here are some useful and easy time management tips:

Handle tasks once as much as possible

• Email Messages – It is best to accomplish tasks right away, so if a message requires a reply or an action, then do it. Segregate messages according to their nature and urgency. For example, transfer those that need to be kept but not acted on in a separate folder or delete junk mail and other emails that are deemed unimportant.

• Discussions – Whenever discussions are being reviewed or read, it would be helpful to take note of significant contributions. One would do well to have a hard copy of the class grade sheet or an open spreadsheet at hand in order to take down specific notes while reading.

• Homework – Like email messages, it is important to make notes or grade assignments as soon as they arrive. Modify filenames in such a way that graded files can be easily identified. For example, the filename Homework1.doc should be modified to GradedHomework1.doc once it has already been graded. This will help instructors keep student files organized.

Billable Hours

• Establish a time count and ensure that students spend more time doing required tasks and assignments instead of commenting online. Each lesson should require students to spend a certain amount of time on it. This can be accomplished by assigning specific time requirements for each kind of task.

• Instructors would greatly benefit from a working knowledge of keyboard and desktop shortcuts. This has proven to be an effective way to cut down on time and increase efficiency in computer-related work.

• Students should be updated regarding projected turnaround times, office hours and vacation schedules as the course begins. They should be oriented on how soon they will be able to receive feedback if they ask a question through email. It would be most ideal to provide a description of expected turnaround time when it comes to grading assignments and other course-related outputs. This will help emphasize the fact that teaching eLearning online is not a 24-hour occupation.

Organize

• The instructor’s workplace should be free of clutter in order to avoid hunting for things which can severely affect the amount of time left for actual work.

• All the documents necessary for class should all be located in one folder and each section and week/assignment should have its own folder as well.

• Calendars are extremely important in facilitating and managing a class. This can help in the management of due dates, start dates and so on. A good practice is creating an online course calendar which provides details on deadlines. It should be easily accessed by students in a central location.

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Source by Joel Owens