Time combined with energy accomplishes learning for students. Nothing accomplishes learning more than time spent on task. Learning to prioritize and have effective time management is crucial for all students but is even more important for distance learners. Time expectations from an instructor for his students establishes basis for high performance for students. An effective instructor must accurately gauge how much time is needed for assignments and tasks requested from the students. If instructors give too much time for a task the student does not get the most out of time in the course. If a student is given too little time for a task the student exhibits stress, anxiety, and will not benefit fully from the task. Assignments are best spread throughout the duration of the semester so that the student stays actively engaged in his learning therefore getting the most out of the course. Due dates and deadlines are clearly stated and communicated to the student. Policies on late work should also be clearly communicated.
I also think that when too little time is given to complete a task, the student becomes focuesed on completion rather than learning.
ReplyDeleteAs I said in my reply to another post, I think when too little time is given and multiple tasks are given that the expected learning is compromised and the end product quality is also compromised. As an instructor I do have to admit that it is difficult to gauge in a face to face how much time to give so I think in distance learning it is even more challenging as the instructor. I know each instructor is just attempting to give the student the best possible learning experience. One final thought, I feel that when I am spending more time on a distance learning course than I would be spending on a face to face course that it is too much, I feel it shoud be equal and of course the in class time in a face to face is also incorporated into that.
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