In cyberspace, there is not going to be an instructor standing over the student’s shoulder reminding them that there is a quiz due on Sunday. For the most part, it is up to the student to be self-motivated and organized enough to know when assignments are due and when and how to complete them. For both online students and online instructors, a strong sense of organization is key to a successful classroom experience.
Most online students are returning to school after years of not being in school. Many have families, full-time jobs, and other commitments. Without a commitment to returning to school and strong sense of organization, students will not be able to effective or efficient in the classroom.
Often, it’s difficult for students to realize that they will need to sacrifice something – whether that is sleep, time with family, a valued hobby, etc. varies – but returning to school requires a commitment of time that can be a struggle. Students who are the most successful are organized and set aside time each day that is solely devoted to their course work and make school one of their top priorities.
In order to be organized within the classroom, it is important that each student prints the syllabus or course guide immediately and maps out the needed time for research, assignments, and discussions. I often encourage my students to make a calendar for the weeks of the course allowing buffer time before an assignment is due to make sure they aren’t turning an assignment in right at the deadline and to help them to work school around their other commitments.
One of the best aspects of online courses is that students are given the entire course syllabus up front. Students know from day one what is expected, what is due when, and can set aside time as they have it to complete assignments. For example, if a student knows that they will have a big project due at work in two weeks, they can turn those assignments in early to avoid having to work on them during their busy time at work. Or if their child’s birthday is approaching and they know they don’t want to spend that day writing a paper, they can turn the paper in ahead of time. With careful planning and organization, students can find holes in their schedule to complete their work and still accomplish their goals outside of school as well.
For instructors, the time commitment is similar. For every hour a student spends in a course, I would assume that I will spend an hour per 20 students in the course as well. Instructors know from day one what assignments are due when, when feedback on assignments will be due, and instructors can map out a similar calendar to ensure that other commitments are being met while still providing the best instruction to students with timely responses and feedback.
Personally, I find that keeping a traditional paper planner and a paper calendar for each class helps me to be the most organized. Others may find that keeping a list of “to-dos” and due dates in their smart phone is the most effective for them. Whatever method of organization one choses, being organized is vital for online students and instructors.
How do you stay organized in the online classroom? Do you have any tips or tricks to share?
About the Author
Jamie Weitl is a WAHM teaching for several online universities and raising three precocious little ones. In her spare time she enjoys writing, baking, and running. For more info, see my Google Plus Profile.
