Screen Time vs. Student Time

 I'm gathering some great ideas as I go through this first semester entirely online and, yet, I'm having difficulty finding a way to not stay on the computer all day long. 

I started this semester thinking I would be able to take a long siesta in the middle of the day to spend time with my family (one of the benefits to working 'from home'). But, it seems like, if anything I find I'm spending more time on Canvas. 

I think one of the reasons for this is that I want to respond to everything students post. I figure if the students have taken the time to thoughtfully consider a question I have asked, the least I can do is respond well to their consideration. Of course, this means at least 60 responses for each assignment. So, no wonder I'm spending so much time in front of the computer!

This week, I've posted a survey for the students to consider which assignments are beneficial to them. I'm thinking I might use the data to modify how I respond. 

...

While I'm spending a lot of time in front of the computer, I also find online classes allow me spend a little time with each student in a way I was unable to do in face-to-face classes. Even moving around the room, I seldom had time to talk with each student the way I do through our discussions. I hope my students are also finding this beneficial!