Communication is Key
As a current online instruction I feel that communication is one of the most important elements in being successful. Many students have a fear of online classes because the feel in some sense they are learning on their own. When a instructor in constantly communicating and interacting with the students that gives the students a sense of comfort. It is important for a student to be as comfortable as possible as not to hinder the learning process; it frees some of the stress on encounters when approaching something new. In my current status I hold two chat sessions per week and one office hour. During this time I have a chance to interact with the class as a group and they also have the chance to interact with fellow classmates. The office hour allows the student a more individual approach; which gives one on one contact time with the instructor. In all of this; I can always be contacted via email and of course instant messaging. I feel communication is the foundation to success in the online environment.
Nizar and Julynn,
Thanks for continuing the conversation. Adding a picture can help the instructor seem more "real" in the online world. Thanks for sharing the info, sorry you can't share your picture. ;-[
Hi Julynn,
Yes, communication is key, and in doing so, you as an instructor become available to the students. I actually share a "communication" picture with my students when talking about the importance of communication. I wish to share it here with all of you, but I don't see a way to attach files :-)
Cally and Brent,
You bring up some very good points. Thanks for continuing the conversation.
Take care.
That is so true Brent! I feel that the more I am "there" for the students to begin with, the less they will need me by the end of the course. I think it's that confidence factor.
Our courses are very short - 8 weeks, so I find it very important to always be available for them when I can. I have found sometimes technology can interfere with this, there can be a barrier if they can't find the tools to contact you, this is why I keep my contact details handy for them.
Jeffrey,
Good facilitation and good formative feedback. Also, have students self-evaluate using the rubric and also have peer-assessment with the rubric before they submit the final work for summative evaluations.
When working with students that struggle to communicate their thoughts onto paper, what tips or suggestions would you recommend to help get those students on the right track?
Marek
Building community within the online environment is essential for the students. When they feel others are there for them, it is beneficial. Thanks for your input.
I am in total agreement! I find there are two main issues that prevents student success: a geneal lack of confidence and a sense of isolation. Many adult sutdents have limited success in their previsous learning environments. They also feel isolated and if they are confused they feel that they are the only one that is struggling. Creating a strong sense of community through communication with the student and inclusion in the larger learning community can really help to address both challenges.
Louise,
Excellent. It is that personal touch and communication that can solve many issues in a short amount of time. Thanks for your input.
In addition to office hours, I also will schedule telephone appointments with students if they would like some additional help in a class. I have often found that a simple 15 minute phone call can clarify an assignment or redirect a student to find the correct answer. Further, by using a telephone, the online class becomes more peronsal; there is a live connection with the instructor. My students have my cell phone number, and I have received calls at different times, even when shopping in the supermarket.
While email and IMs are a valuable tool, for some students the delay and time it takes to type a question may cause some to not contact the instructor. Not all students are fast typists, and that may cause some anxiety when trying to communicate with IMs.
Rebekah and Julynn,
Thanks for continuing the conversation. Real-world examples help the students connect course content to actual problems or issues. Keep up the good work.
Julynn,
You are correct in your comment that some students have a fear of the online classroom. Their greatest fear is lack of relevant communication with their instructor. A key way that online instructors can help offset this fear is through meaningful discussions in the discussion board area. The best way for instructors to assess the transfer of knowledge is through the discussion boards. The instructor has the opportunity to re-direct the conversation to keep the focus on the learning objectives and provide correction with the information is incorrect or based on erroneous information. It is also important to integrate information from the text or provide current information to support the course objectives. By keeping abreast of what is going on in our world, both domestically and abroad, the instructor can support their points with real-world examples to demonstrate how theory is or is not being used. There are also many opportunities to demonstrate the importance of understanding history and the lessons learned or not learned there.
Becky
Concetta ,
Being "visible" is the key to facilitating the learning process. Students must also need to understand what are appropriate discussion board postings and what are inappropriate posting. Thanks for your input.
Being visible on your discussion boards and responding frequently to your students postings is essential to the learning process. It encourages students to contribute to the topics and develop confidence inthe subject matter.
Dr. Brent,
Good analogy. Being proactive is always best. Thanks for continuing the conversation.
I completely agree. I would simply add that the support system needs to be more proactive at the beginning if their experience and then it will become less over time. Sort of like riding a bike... a parent runs up and down the street holding on to the bike and providing emotional and logistical support until the child learns to balance... then the support reduces to more emotional support and far less logistical support (holding onto the bike). We must to the same for our students.
Sandi,
Communication, communication, communication. I tell people who teach online courses all the time. . .If you want the WORST teaching evaluations you've ever had - don't communicate. ;-)
I also agree. Communication is the best way to keep students engaged and to mitigate problems to ensure they have the best experience in the online environment. Most problems can be resolved with ongoing and effective communication.
Renee,
Effective is the key word. Effective, meaningful, consistent, timely, etc. You are right, the tone makes a big difference as well. You serve as the role model for good, effective communication. Thanks for your input.
