Making the right presence
I think it is important for an instructor to provide their academic background and work experience but nothing is more important than responding quickly to student questions and concerns. Often times I get an email from a student and I'll acknowledge I received it and then I'll let them know when they can expect a reply from me. I try to answer all questions immediately but there are times that I can't answer their question because I don't have the text book handy or I need to check with someone else. In those cases I think students appreciate knowing I received their request and when they can expect an answer.
Absolutely, I believe online communication should be a relative quick process. Typically, I try to respond to my students within a day notice. I always try respond quickly as possible so the student will have the answer needed in order to continue with assigned task.
Charolette Brown
I definitely agree with your approach and do something similar myself. I have to admit that many questions that come my way I do not always have an answer for. Generally in terms of email, if I do receive a question or issue that I cannot get to right away, I will respond by thanking the student for their notice and providing them with a time frame of 72 hours notice for a response. I will set up a reminder when the deadline approaches so that I am able to connect with that student during the time that I stated in the initial email.
Unfortunately, due to the high volumes of students that we work with, I have received several complaints from students because they had an instructor or an advisor in the past that never got back to them when they attempted to call or send a message and the student is clearly discouraged as a result. As such, it is very important that if the work/student load is heavy to at least respond, give them a specific amount of time that you will get back to them, and then deliver on that promise.
