As usual...working in learning teams...always there is one person who takes things personally which is why I am always up front when the charter is created that in light of the very short time learning teams have together, I feel it is in the team’s best interest to not waste time trying to learn everyone’s strengths and weaknesses and, frankly, I am not one to tip-toe around people’s feelings. I always tell my teammates that like them, I am here to learn and excel in the process and help them do the same if they so desire. I am not one to mince words, but I will never intentionally be disrespectful or discourteous. I always start out the first week letting my team know I am a strong writer with exemplary skills in proofreading, grammar, punctuation and APA formatting. I state up front that I prefer to lead the team and to anchor team projects, meaning the responsibility for posting the final document or documents is mine in order that I may ensure whatever is posted is as perfect as it can be. I am first to admit that I am borderline obsessive-compulsive in my drive to ensure that my nearly-perfect GPA remains that way and bring the point to the table only for the purpose of letting potential team members know my intentions are purely about helping the team produce quality work worthy of an A grade. I am a stickler for on-time posting and refuse to be pressured into last-minute chaos. I expect the same from my teammates, and expect everyone to take responsibility for checking into the team forum at least once a day in order to remain aware of action items as they become known – it is not the team’s responsibility to chase you down to let you know your attention is required. While this may sound intimidating to some, I assure you that with only one exception in my degree program, I have never co-produced a team effort that earned less than an A grade.
Two days after posting this message to my team; two days after class starts, the dreaded "one" who will plague me for the rest of this class said in a response post, "Um, after not logging in 1 night I have 34 posts just in this team thread to read." (and I am thinking...And this is unique becaaauuuussseeee?) "But with all respect," she continues (with her punctuation and grammar errors as well), "I think its great we have leaders, I am steady dependent, I will always have my portions in on time, however; I will not be online ALL the time and EVERY night, I'm an active mother of 3, work full time, school and sports, among errand running. I cannot access anything personal at work so I'm only able to get online usually at nights, and usually around 8-9pm after my kids are in bed." (Again I think...AGAIN...this is unique becaaauuuuussseeee?) Honestly, does she think she's the only one???
Sheesh. Nobody told her to be online all the time. Most of us are active parents with children at home, full-time jobs, and other activities preventing us from spending a great deal of time in class. Most of us with kids wait for the kids to be in bed before we settle into class work. And most of us can manage to check into class at least once a night.
Seriously. I want to be done. Can I be done?