The Effects of Increased Workloads on Online Instruction

The workload increase for California State University instructors has been significant, as has been the reduction in resources and support. Online instructors are facing the same set of circumstances as their campus-based peers, yet the impact of said circumstances has not been fully realized. Still most instructors want to do be effective in their teaching practices and will do what it takes to facilitate student learning. This paper examines the impact of budget cuts on online instructors, including increases in online class sizes and loss of student –instructor interaction. The research is clear regarding the importance of interaction in relation to academic success; however, it is mixed with regard to optimal online class size. The author suggests strategies to maintain teaching effectiveness during the current crisis by increasing interaction through the use of small group discussions, the use of facilitators, etc.