Are you prepared to step up your online instruction? Explore our CAHS Online Instructor's Checklist, a resource made to assist you in maintaining organization, motivating students, and providing excellent online learning opportunities.
Our to-do list has everything you need to keep your class moving forward and your students succeeding. However, we discovered that something was lacking—how are you handling your time and striking a work-life balance?
In our Tips for Success in Taking an Online Course (featured in the CAHS Online Course Orientation), we tell students to map out their schedules for the week. Now, we're going to reverse the script and advise you to follow suit! Here's why it should happen and how to do it.
The "Why"
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Remain Consistent: Having a weekly schedule makes it easier for you to keep things running smoothly and gives your students timely feedback and support.
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Increase Productivity: Whether you're grading, facilitating discussions, or creating course materials, stay away from the traps of procrastination and maintain a high level of productivity.
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Encourage Engagement: A vibrant, cooperative online classroom where everyone succeeds is created by regular, scheduled interaction with students.
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Strive for a Balanced Work-Life: Online courses move at a rapid pace, which can be daunting. You can avoid burnout and maintain your energy by making time for yourself and your students.
The “How”
Take stock of your weekly responsibilities as you prepare for the term. These consist of sending out regular announcements to the students, answering emails, hosting online office hours, keeping an eye on participation, providing feedback, and assigning grades. (Remember, your go-to resource is our Online Instructor's Checklist!)
Next, take out your preferred planning tool, be it digital or paper, and begin allocating time for each task. In order to prevent interruptions, safeguard these time slots on your calendar.
Need some inspiration?
Check out this Sample Online Instructor Weekly Planner.
Don't hesitate to adjust your schedule as the term goes on. Your method will become more and more honed the more you teach online!
Keep in mind that effective online instruction isn’t just about providing content and assessments. It’s about crafting meaningful learning experiences and building strong connections with your students.
By mastering time management and using our Online Instructor's Checklist and other useful tips in our Delivering Your Online Course tool, you’ll boost efficiency, foster consistent student engagement, and create a vibrant online learning community—all while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
Questions about getting started or have tips of your own to share?
Reach out to us at CAHS-Online@mail.wvu.edu!