Time Management

What to Expect Each Week

For this 4-credit course, you can expect to spend 8-12 hours a week on coursework. This includes reviewing the online materials, participating in online discussions, doing independent research, drafting, writing, getting frustrated and throwing out what you did, yelling at your computer, frantically emailing your teacher, having a Zoom where you ask a bunch of questions, and finally figuring out what you wanted to say.

Here's a snapshot of what a week might look like:

Monday morning: The new module becomes live. You can review that week's preview videos from your instructor, glance at the tasks for the week, and start reviewing the lecture.

Monday-Thursday: Read the lecture materials. You might also participate in a group annotation of a reading, or you might be drafting and editing a writing assignment based on that week's learning. You will likely be doing some independent research; you might meet with a PCC librarian for help or have a conference with your instructor.

Thursday: The class will be divided into two groups for discussions. Half the class is required to post an original post by Thursday night; the other half must reply to two classmates by Sunday night. These roles will switch off throughout the term.

Friday-Sunday: Work on written materials that are due that week. Continue on independent research. Check back on the discussion board and reply to classmates.

Sunday: Written assignments are due. You will also turn in a weekly self-reflection, in which you think about your labor for the week, challenges you faced, and goals for the next week. This is a great chance to check in with your instructor about how things are going, ask questions, and reset if you feel you've drifted off course.