Recently, as in earlier this week, I noted with some measure of interest that about 1/2 of a business class had accessed a Homework prompt that had been online for weeks. The LMS does not provide insight if an assignment prompt is “actually digested” by an unsuspecting student. Wouldn’t that be nice, the technology is there… Anywho, along with that nugget of information, I peeked to see if anyone had actually started on the assignment. This was doable cuz it required a public-facing entry – a concrete measurement at the ready. I log in. I navigate to the assignment area. I peek. Nothing… No surprise, the assignment is not due for 15 days. Minor disappointment nonetheless – it is a good assignment that knocks off an SLO and actually can result in meaningful learning…
So, I think – what to do with this data, this negative information – hmmm, why not share it with the students? Just maybe, doing so might provide the necessary pebble-like catalyst to garner some movement, right? Decision made, I make it so – incorporating an old business principle into my email. I let my students know that good business folks measure everything, injecting a favorite quote about control and measurement. Swoosh – off it goes.
Some time has passed. Enough time to know I over-reached. And, I guess I did. I mean, what 19 year old is going to turn some work in early. Geez, Wal-Mart has developed a complex set of logistical processes specifically designed to not waste a second of valuable time – and that would include doing shit two weeks in advance of a due date! Time is money. What was I thinking…
The takeaway – I was outgunned by thousands of years of human nature! I had a noble cause – my effort at best will garner marginal results – not unlike a Botox injection to abate / retard a migraine. Being oversensitive now, I realize that it is probable that most students did not even read my “be proactive email”. Hoping for an adjustment in student behavior may be a bit of a stretch.
But, back in the saddle now, I am not disheartened. Like Forrest Gump and a box of chocolates, ya just never know what you’re going to get – maybe a single light bulb will go off. Probably not, but I felt compelled to try and I will again.