Many times when we become online instructors, we feel like we become a 24-7 instructor who has to be online all the time. I learned the hard way that if you respond immediately to a student's email or posting on a discussion board, they will expect it every time. I also learned that if you make an assignment due on Monday at 8:00 a.m. because you want students to have the weekend to work on the assignment, you better be online all day Sunday because that is when they will have questions. By learning the hard way, I have developed a few tips to help you not be a 24-7 online teacher.
1) Clearly state in the syllabus when you will check email and the course management system you are using (e.g., Blackboard). For example, I put the following in my syllabus: I will check email and Blackboard during my office hours. I do not consistently check email and Blackboard on Saturday or Sunday.
2) Effectively use a discussion board for Frequently Asked Questions. For example, I put the following in my syllabus: Do not email me directly with questions about the course. If you have any questions about the course, an assignment, a project, etc., post it on the Frequently Asked Question Discussion Board. Posting your question on the FAQ Discussion Board helps all students who have the same question. Answers to your questions will be posted within 24 hours. I may answer your question or another student may answer your questions. Extra credit points may be earned for answering another student's question.
3) Clearly state how quickly you will return emails. I tell my students their emails will be answered within 24 hours. Some online instructors state the turnaround time is within 48 hours. This helps students understand that every time they send an email that they may not receive an immediate response. Sometimes you have to explain your definition of "immediate." Mine is within 24 hours.
4) Tell students that even though your class is online, it is certainly OK to call you on the phone. Many students need to hear a person's voice, need the personal connection, and talking on the phone helps them with that need. I clearly state in my syllabus what my office hours are and how to communicate with me: discussion board, email, phone, etc.
5) Tell students when assignments are due. The due date that works for me is Wednesday at 5:00 p.m. This works for me because I have office hours on Tuesday and Thursday, so I can answer questions on Tuesday and grade papers on Thursday. This is a personal decision that you have to think about in coordination with you schedule and other commitments. However, be aware that is you make an assignment due at midnight, you should be online that night up to midnight to answer questions or troubleshoot if necessary. We each have our own schedule, so make a due date that works for you.
These are just a few tips that have helped me. It is my belief that teaching, whether F2F or online, is a very personal decision and each of us has a different teaching philosophy. Once you develop your teaching philosophy and you explain the rules to the students, stick with them. Have a great online teaching experience!
