Principle 5: Good Practice Emphasizes Time on Task

Chickering and Gamson are the authors of an article describing the Seven Principles of Good Practice in Undergraduate Education (1986) http://honolulu.hawaii.edu/intranet/committees/FacDevCom/guidebk/teachtip/7princip.htm

The fifth principle is increasing 'time on task.' Chickering and Gamson say,"Time plus energy equals learning."

Distance educators can plan their courses by estimating learner time on task for course activities. Sharing this information in the course syllabus assists learners in organizing their available time for participation. One method is to use visual explanations that stand out onscreen and show development over time with a minimal amount of text and no onscreen “scrolling.”









Directions for assignments can include a suggested time for completion in hours, weeks or days. Multimedia means fixed time limits, time for multiple viewings could be included.

Announcements provide critical updates and reminders as learners enter the course, intercepting them before they can do anything else. Announcements can be used to synchronize students to the course timeline weekly.

Course calendar identifies important course dates and events. The Blackboard calendar allows students to plug in their own important dates and activities.

Two important time on task points:

• If course material helps students learn better, it can save time.
• Engaging assignments can attract students to spend more time in the course.

Portions of this information adapted from an article by Chris Fahey, Technology Coordinator at the Center for Career Development, Gettysburg College, Pennsylvania; posted on The Ohio Learning Network.