Hello again readers!
All of our discussions on information overload have related to the internet and digital information. I want to take a different approach to this idea. Lets remove the digital aspect entirely. For my college student readers think of your individual college classes. Any teachers reading too think of the numorous amounts of work you must read and evalute from each of your classes. Now multiply that. This is how it feels for some students who are in multiple intensive classes at once. The stress we feel is a product the information overload we feel from each of our classes.
Professors appear to have this mind set that college students are in their class alone and should not focus on their other classes. Due dates are immovable and simply telling the professor that you have too much work due in that week and just didn't get that paper done will get you a "sucks for you" equivalent of an answer. I want to appeal to the students who are overstressed like me to at least try talking to your professor should you need more time. There are a rare few that do understand. And professors, listen to your students. A little intuitive body language reading can help you discover if they are lying or really do need that extension.
Information overload can happen away from the computer, too. Loads of information is jam packed into each semester of classes and students who take 15 hours of classes can feel overwhelmed especially at the end of the semester. I think that professors should allow more flexible due dates to help their students with this issue. For example, instead of having a paper due April 25th no exceptions they could make them due the week of April 25th. A due date like this eases the tension of a hard due date on a student and allows them to prioritize with their other papers and projects due at this time.
This collegiate information overload is easily curable with the understanding of a professor and the dedication of the student. I think most students would agree with me, especially at the end of the semester. Until next time readers, enjoy this digital cup of coffee. Sip slowly, it's hot!
Interesting ideas, Brianna. As a graduate student and instructor, believe me - I know that schedules are packed full at the end of the semester. If students come to me with serious concerns about their topic or something of that nature, I am generally flexible on deadlines. I would encourage students to communicate with their instructors throughout the semester about any concerns that they have since this shows that you are invested in the course. Also, definitely don't be afraid to ask for outside-of-class assistance and/or extensions. Just know that you might not always receive them - it depends on many factors.
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