Online teaching offers flexibility—but it also comes with a unique set of time-management challenges. Without intentional boundaries and planning, instructor workload can spiral into burnout.
In Managing Online Instructor Workload, we offer strategies for sustaining quality instruction while protecting instructor well-being.
Consider the following:
- Establish communication windows: Let students know when and how you’ll respond to inquiries.
- Automate where possible: Use rubrics, reusable feedback banks, and automated reminders to reduce repetitive tasks.
- Design with clarity: Reduce confusion by building intuitive navigation and clearly communicating expectations.
Workload management is a critical skill for online educators. It allows us to maintain high standards of teaching while preserving our energy and enthusiasm over time.
Conceição, S. C., & Lehman, R. M. (2011). Managing Online Instructor Workload: Strategies for Finding Balance and Success. Jossey-Bass.
How do you protect your time while staying connected with students? Share your tips in the “Conversations on Online Teaching and Learning” forum.

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