Transcript
First things first: Information in this podcast comes from personal experience. Your individual results and experiences may vary.
No guarantee is given regarding the accuracy of any statements or opinions made this podcast.
By listing to this podcast you agree not to hold Boris Margolin or any guests or contributors to this podcast responsible for any damages arising from the use of this podcast.
Hi everyone, todays episode will lightly cover what it’s like to work as an online instructor. The glitz, the glamor, the highs, the lows, and the everyday mundane. I’m your host Boris the bullet dodger Margolin.
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to teach online? If you’ve found your way over to this podcast then you likely have…or perhaps you even do. If so then good for you, as they say “misery loves company”. I’m kidding. I’ve been an online instructor for almost 14 years now and I wouldn’t be doing it if I didn’t enjoy it.
Let me take you through my typically day.
It starts with logging into the web based learning management system.
I then check for any emails students or administration may have sent and answer them. Most often a student will have a question about an exercise they need to submit, or want me to review something to make sure it meets the exercise requirements.
Other times students need some technical support with the software they are using to complete their exercises. While I don’t teach the software itself, it helps that I use it everyday.
After that I begin the work of reviewing student submissions in the courses that I teach, providing feedback and a grade.
By the way I teach courses on graphic design so each student’s work is always unique. As a result the majority of the time is spent on feedback and grading. Some students take instruction well and can be guided into producing some of their best work; others need more step-by-step instruction to help them achieve the result they are after.
Depending on the volume and context of submissions this can take anywhere from one to five hours spread throughout the day. In my experience the weekends tend to see the bulk of submissions. And yes, I do grade on the weekend, I’ve even while on vacation as long as I can get online.
So as not to get overloaded I grade a day behind student submissions. So if a student submits something today, then I will have it graded by tomorrow evening.
And that is the typically day.
Fortunately I teach subjects that I love and derive enjoyment from seeing the creative work students produce. I it also very rewarding to help a student achieve the creative results they are after and then see them go beyond that in the next exercise.
If you are wondering if I hold zoom meetings or do anything live, I’m happy to tell you that I don’t. However I am available to my students when they need me and I don’t feel disconnected from them since invest time in helping them succeed. I written recommendations for them, and provide feedback on their work outside of class, even after they’ve completed the courses.
I hope this gives you some idea on what you can expect to find when working in online instruction.
Thanks for tuning in.
Objective
To introduce learners to a typically day for an online instructor.
Learning Activity audience
People interested in working in online instruction.