As we enter the last few weeks of the Spring semester, many online instructors might find themselves struggling to juggle grading, student inquiries, and course wrap-up tasks—all while trying to maintain their own well-being. The end of the semester is often a pressure point, and for educators teaching in digital environments, the boundary between work and personal life has become increasingly blurred.

So, how can online instructors manage end-of-semester fatigue while maintaining high-quality instruction? Here are some practical strategies to help balance workload and well-being as the semester starts to wind down.

1. Set Realistic Expectations for Grading and Feedback

With a pile of final assignments and exams, it’s tempting to speed through grading or overcommit to detailed feedback. Instead, try to set realistic goals for yourself. Prioritize feedback for students who need it most and consider using tools like rubrics or automated feedback in Canvas to streamline the process.

2. Batch Work to Reduce Cognitive Load

Context-switching between tasks—grading, emails, course evaluations—can be mentally exhausting. Instead of bouncing between tasks, try batching your workload. Dedicate specific blocks of time to grading, responding to emails, and course administration to improve focus and efficiency.

3. Establish Digital Boundaries

It’s easy to be “always on” when teaching online, but setting boundaries for yourself is crucial. Schedule designated times for answering emails or discussion posts and stick to them. If possible, use an out-of-office message or announcement when you need to let students know when they can expect responses.

4. Encourage Student Self-Sufficiency

As the semester closes, students often flood instructors with last-minute questions. Anticipate these by creating a frequently asked questions (FAQ) document or a pinned discussion board post addressing common concerns about final grades, course completion, and next steps.

5. Take Time to Reflect on the Semester

Before diving into summer planning, take a moment to reflect on this semester. What worked well? What could be improved for next semester? Even a brief self-evaluation can help you refine your approach while also recognizing the effort you’ve put in.

6. Prioritize Self-Care and Rest

In the rush to finalize grades and close out the semester, it’s easy to neglect personal well-being. Remember to take short breaks, get fresh air, and set aside time for activities that help you recharge. Teaching is a long-term commitment—pacing yourself prevents burnout and sustains your passion for education.

Final Thoughts

End-of-semester fatigue is real, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By setting personal boundaries, streamlining tasks, and making space for reflection, online instructors can finish strong while protecting their well-being. After all, a well-rested educator is better equipped to inspire students in future courses.

Upcoming Events

Best Practices for Designing a Welcoming Canvas Course

Wednesday, April 2, 1:30-2:30pm

Join us for our “Best Practices for Designing a Welcoming Canvas Course” presentation on April 2, from 1:30-2:30 pm! This presentation will provide helpful tips and techniques to make your Canvas course inclusive to a wide variety of learners. 

Facilitated by Leslie Fuller, PhD, Digital Learning Strategist.

Register here to receive the Zoom link.

Introduction to Simple Syllabus

Tuesday, April 8, 3:00-3:30pm

Join us for our “Introduction to Simple Syllabus” presentation on April 8, from 3-3:30 pm! This training will demonstrate how to use the Simple Syllabus tool to build and publish an effective syllabus for your course. The training will also cover integrating Simple Syllabus with Canvas and the benefits of using this tool in your course.

Facilitated by David Bassett, Learning Technology Manager.

Register here to receive the Zoom link.

Clemson Online Spring 2025 Events Calendar

Review our Spring 2025 Events Calendar to see what Online Instruction Development opportunities await!

We have a robust lineup of topics and live training formats to support your use of Canvas and other e-learning tools. Topics cover demonstrations of using Kaltura, engaging your students, and workshops to get your Canvas site ready to teach!

All of our live training is recorded. Registrants will automatically receive a link to that day’s video after it has been processed.

Contact Millie Tullis with any questions regarding these sessions.

Clemson Online – Where Tech and Teaching Meet