At the beginning of the course I publish a classroom expectation statement and general guideline. I post weekly announcements,maintain office hours and respond to e-mails within 24-48 hours. By this approach, I am able to reduce e-mail flow.
Phyllis,
Transcripts are a good way to provide information to a variety of students. Some enjoy reading the transcripts and some enjoy watching the recorded live chats as well. Thanks!
To reduce emails, I post the transcripts of archived live chats on the announcement board. Although some students do not attend live chats, they read the announcement board. Posting the transcripts sometimes answer many of the same questions other students have about the assignments discussed in the live chats. Additionally, I send templates that model the expectations of the assignments. I also host office hours where students have the opportunity to communicate with me by Instant Messaging (IM). Students like this because they can get an immediate response and have the opportunity to dialogue with me. This also creates a sense of communication and eases students’ anxieties about taking an online course during the first week of class.
Jessica,
Many online instructors use weekly announcements or discussion boards or other ways to keep students engaged. Students do need reminders.
Theran,
Saving things into folders is a part of the organization. And, when you do have to refer back to them, it's right there for you. Nice job.
I have used weekly pointer emails to help guide the students with frequent questions or concerns that have been addressed during previous quarters.
Sounds like you are organized! :-)
I also answer every email, and I save to folders -- thank goodness because I have had to retrieve information a few times.
I enter the classroom every day, I have found that if I miss a day it is so much more difficult to maintain a schedule than if I simply enter the classroom every day.
Tanya,
Nice job. I find the frequently asked questions discussion board very helpful and the students have noted it helpful as well. Thanks for your input.
I have figured out the frequently asked questions and I post all answers to those questions in the Learning Materials and Announcements. I also send out a weekly email to answer the questions before they can ask. I have found that students check the Discussion Board sometimes prior to the other forms of communication previously mentioned so I have started posted information in the DB.
revonna,
Super. It's fun to try new things.
Thanks.
Great strategy, will try it.
Great! Thanks for sharing!
Robert,
Maybe you have a more reasonable number of students in your classes. I teach classes of 400 or more at times and I have to manage that in different ways. Thanks!
Robert,
Being positive goes a long way. The constructive criticism is excellent as well. We have to be specific and timely in our feedback. Thanks for your input.
Actually I don't try and reduce emails. Every email is answered with 'thanks for your note student name'. Students want to know that they've been heard and that their mail has been received. My comments to work is fairly specific and communication hasn't really been an issue.
Good question particularly for faculty struggling with time management.
Thanks for your comments. I generally add a lifting phrase to all students submitting well done work in the first week. There after my notes become more targeted to work that is clearly well done to the rubrics. General comments are posted to the announcement area. Students that may be at risk see my concern in the comments area and in an email. These encourage the student to contact me for any special help.
Grades and work have become noticeably better since I implemented this technique about a year ago.
revonna,
It's the only way they can get their questions answered if the question pertain to the course. If they email me, I tell them that all students can benefit from the question and answer and to post the question on the discussion board. You have to "train" them for a bit, but after that, they understand that's the only way they'll get their answer. Hope that is helpful.
revonna,
Encouragement is helpful no matter when it is provided. However, the first week of classes is very important. Thanks!
revonna,
The more you improve communication, the less questions there will be. This is true. Your announcements, office hours, discussion forums, etc. will all help. Thanks!
Hi Tena, actually, I have tried using the FAQ discussion board, however, I notice that students rarely use it. What are ways you have encourage students to take advantage of FAQ. I know this process will help with reduction of questions and concerns. Thanks for sharing. Revonna
