Thanks for your suggestions. I already have groups for students but I find them a little confusing. I have set up forums based on groups and then found students couldn't reply. I know it is some combination of settings but I now don't use groups unless I log in as a member of each group and test access.
I think I will try creating a page hidden to my students at the top of the course. Create a table there with each class along the top and rows for each activity. As I complete each one, I enter in the table with the time. Simple enough.