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Considerations for Paying OHOA Hosts: Tip Sheet

Establishing a Pay Structure

Factors to consider when making decisions about fair pay for OHOA hosts:

1) Time spent setting up a new cohort and associated modules
In the beginning, extra time is required to get participants set up in Moodle, help them log in, and become comfortable with the platform. This is required for each new cohort.  

2) Hosting duties once the modules are ready and participants are familiar with the platform
Hosting a module involves ongoing interactions with participants such as:

  • Sending encouraging reminders and establishing rapport
  • Checking in with those who haven’t started a module or are progressing more slowly than expected  
  • Assisting those who need extra help and support (e.g., with technology)
  • Grading and providing feedback on assignments
  • Monitoring discussion boards

3) Additional duties as determined by the state deaf-blind project (SDBP)
Because module hosting typically occurs in the context of other TA and training provided by SDBP personnel, hosts may be asked to take on tasks, such as:

  • Writing weekly reports
  • Conducting meetings for cohort participants (e.g., to present present additional content and facilitate discussions)

4) Other considerations
Other factors to consider include how well the host knows the module (if unfamiliar, it will take a bit longer to prep assignments, etc.) and module length and intensity. Some modules have comprehensive information and demanding assignments, while others are less complex and emphasize discussion boards and quizzes, rather than formal assignments.

Suggested Pay Range

The simplest way to pay a host is per module. Payment rates typically range from $300 to $750. $300 would be appropriate for easy modules (e.g., Module 1) with no associated meetings, follow-up SDBP contacts, or modifications in Moodle. $750 would be appropriate for more in-depth modules with associated cohort meetings, edits to the module in Moodle, weekly follow-up with the SDBP, and in-depth contact with participants.

An alternative to paying a host per module is to pay by participant. For example, $15 for each registered participant and an additional $10 for those who complete a module. Generally speaking, it’s easier to pay per module because it makes expenditures predictable.