Time Management Tips
Several experienced PLS facilitators have shared their time management tips.
- Set up a distribution list of all the email addresses prior to the course beginning.
- When it comes to Announcements and Facilitator Forum, the two most important words in the English language since the invention of computers: COPY AND PASTE!
- Keep grading sheets out when you check on the class. Besides marking down points, I can quickly add notes that I want to share later with the students or use in a wrap.
- Get the announcements and forum posts ready right away. I have a folder named for the course and then make folders within that for announcements/fourms. You can always add to the announcements or forums depending on issues that come up during the course. I review each of the first several modules right away to make sure I haven't missed anything (new or in need of changes), and continue to do that throughout the course.
- I have a notebook in which I write the names of the participants (skipping two lines). I have it divided into two columns per page so that I can write the module / topic on the top. I use that to jot down some salient points a participant has said for both the wraps and weaves, and their weekly messages.
- Decide on a routine before the course begins.
- Have a set pattern of checking. For me, messages, discussion board, then any other areas.
- Set up dual monitors. This helps a lot as you can keep a word document open on one side and the course on the other.
- Have careful filing systems for each course divided by prior to course, each module, and ending course.
- Create the weekly message word documents early in the week so you can add comments as you read the posts.
- Keep a paper chart with grades out on your desk at all times.
- Only read work once, grading and adding comments as you go.
- Use a model saved from a previous course for all wraps and weaves, and customize for each session.
- Do all that is necessary with a post in one reading. I jot down a grade, add feedback to an ongoing weekly message, and respond. All as needed, not for every post.
- Take off one day each week after you grade, just checking messages and questions on that day.