Week 15: You Aren't Done Yet!

I know how we as instructors get at the end of semesters.  We have a tendency to focus on the "to-do" list and getting all of the grading done and scores in the gradebook.  Shoot, many of us are already making changes for next semester.  Please don't forget though, there are real students with real stress in this last week of this semester.

Make sure you post a closing News item with your contact information and keep checking your class(es) through the last day.  Students will be asking last minute questions and expecting faster than normal answers.  If you can give that to them, it may well be the difference in how they finish the course (and possibly if they take one next semester).

Don't be afraid to give students bad news if they've earned it, but try to do so with a calming tone.  For example, "I'm sorry, but I can't reopen Exam 1.  It just wouldn't be fair to the students who completed the work on time." is very different from "Exam 1 was due February 3rd.  I do not give extensions."  It might not seem like much, but a calm voice in this stressful week may be the difference in avoiding much bigger issues later.

Lastly, thank your students.  They have spent real money to take our classes.  We get to take part of that home in a paycheck.  The least we can do is say 'Thank You'.

Spring Break Issues

I know many of us are fully aware of the Spring Break issues.  However, if you are new at CCCOnline, here's some things to remember.  First, CCCOnline does not take any time off for Spring Break.  While it might be nice to take a week off and sit in the sun, we just don't do it.  (If you know why CCCOnline doesn't take Spring Break, I'd be curious to know.)

Secondly, at least one of your students doesn't know CCCOnline isn't taking Spring Break.  So, how do you prevent this issue?  You could give a week where nothing is due and put twice as much work the following week.  Then again, to me, that's just another name for taking Spring Break.  I would go back to making sure you are mentioning it in your News items and maybe even in your Discussion area.

Lastly, even if CCCOnline isn't taking time off, students (and instructors) will still be traveling.  Any time you are traveling, make sure your students know when you are going to be away from the class, so they aren't waiting for replies.  Also, make sure to communicate what the expectations are for students who are away for several days.  Personally, I make sure the Spring Break time is pretty light, but there are still items due each week.

How do you handle Spring Break?

Is This Thing On?

After blogging for the past few weeks, I'm still the only one without any comments in the community.  While a touch discouraging, it's nothing to experiencing the same thing in your classes.  What do you do when your students don't seem to be reading the News or other items you need them to read on a regular basis?

I have an idea to try to generate some traffic here which may also work in your classes.  Let's see how many references to the Olympics you can put in the other blog writer's threads in the next week or so.  Make sure you are staying on topic, but when given a chance, mention something pertaining to the Olympics.  I've posted one in Phyllis' discussion area named "Old News" to get you started. 

The most creative ones I'll reference here.  (In your class, you could give extra credit.)  If anyone asks where you got the idea, don't be afraid to send them back here. ;->