Too Much Information

I mentioned the other day that I'm teaching online currently. Every time I do this, I'm slightly stunned by the behavior of my students, especially given that they're adults.

This class seems to be the class of TMI. I have gotten an email probably every other day from various students letting me know that they're having personal problems and it's impacting their ability to do X or Y. Now, don't get me wrong, I need them to let me know, it's the only way I can be even marginally flexible with my late policy. But...letting me know that they're having "personal problems" would be plenty. I do not need the details. In many cases, like the email I got today, I do not want the details.

On the flip side, it is a stark reminder that there are a lot of people out there who are hurting very badly. And a large number of them are in my class.