A Study of Personal Information Management Strategies for Online Faculty

Authors

  • Lorna R. Kearns University of Pittsburgh
  • Barbara A. Frey University of Pittsburgh
  • Christinger Tomer University of Pittsburgh
  • Susan Alman San Jose State University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.24059/olj.v18i1.296

Keywords:

Personal Information Management, Online Learning, Online Teaching, Faculty Workload

Abstract

The literature suggests that personal information management is a serious challenge for many computer users. Online faculty are especially challenged because of the large number of electronic files necessitated by teaching online. Those who have experience in this environment may offer valuable insights regarding information management challenges and practices. Faculty who teach online courses as part of the WISE (Web-based Information Science Education) Consortium responded to a survey that questioned the ways they manage email, computer desktop, Web-based information and learning management systems. The authors concluded that “filter failure” rather than information overload is the key issue in information management. The study concludes with a list of recommendations for faculty to manage their personal information.

Author Biographies

Lorna R. Kearns, University of Pittsburgh

Lorna R. Kearns is a Teaching and Learning Consultant at the Center for Instructional Development and Distance Education at the University of Pittsburgh. In her work, she consults with faculty on teaching and learning issues, conducts faculty development workshops, and works with faculty to develop online courses. She is also a Reviewer and Trainer with Quality Matters, a non-profit organization that promotes quality in online courses.

Barbara A. Frey, University of Pittsburgh

Barbara A. Frey, DEd, is a Teaching and Learning Consultant at the Center for Instructional Development and Distance Education at the University of Pittsburgh. In addition to her position at the University of Pittsburgh, Dr. Frey teaches as an Instructor with the Online Teaching and Learning Program at the Colorado State University Global Campus. She is also a Master Reviewer and Trainer with Quality Matters, a non-profit organization that promotes quality in online courses.

Christinger Tomer, University of Pittsburgh

Christinger Tomer is Associate Professor at the University of Pittsburgh and partner in FastTrack Associates. His areas of specialization include digital media, online teaching and learning, and library and archival computing. He is a graduate of the College of Wooster and Case Western Reserve University.

Susan Alman, San Jose State University

Susan Alman, PhD, is a faculty member in the School of Library and Information Science at San Jose State University. Her teaching and research areas include online education, interpersonal communication, management/marketing, and faculty development. Dr. Alman is a graduate of Washington and Jefferson College and the University of Pittsburgh.

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Published

2014-03-11

Issue

Vol. 18 No. 1 (2014)

Section

Faculty Development

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