What I have experienced in an online environment is that student’s thoughts and experiences tend to matter and should be addressed early in an online environment.
I use a welcome bio to get to know the students, and I read every post. There is a saying that “experience is the best teacher.†I read about their experiences, and use good experiences as strengths to highlight discussion forums. I’ve used this pattern in all my classes, and it tends to work out fine.
There must also be a balance of respect in the discussion forums. For example, when commenting on a student, I use the student’s name in respect to the author and, in respect of his discussion. This same pattern must filter throughout the discussions, and should be used by each student. I tell my student’s to address the author’s by their names before replying your thoughts.
Kathleen,
Love the "C" words: clear, consistent, constructive, concise, etc. Nice job.
Thanks again.
Colleen,
The "pattern" is the key. I also give students samples of what is a good response on a discussion board and I use a rubric to assess their postings. A student's posting must stimulate more conversation. Thanks for your input.
I also agree that communication should be clear and consistent. In order to make things clear, expectations should be listed in more than one place. We have learned the course syllabus should list expectations, but they can be posted again in announcements and other places in the online platform.
Being consistent in our posts and replies to students encourages them to post and respond to us in a similar manner.
I think an important things to consider when establishing a pattern of communication is letting students know what is expected of them, and how they will be evaluated. Even though it is explained at the beginning of the course that discussion board responses should be substantive, it is pretty common for students to respond to another student's post as "good point" or "I agree" without adding anything else. I have to remind them that this is not sufficient to earn credit for the post.
I also think the instructor has to commit to a frequency for checking in on the online course. I make a point to log in to my course in the morning and the evening every day, so that my students are certain to get a response within 12 hours.
Dr. Vicki,
Yes, as we serve as role models, we demonstrate what we expect from our students. Professionalism is key!
Hi Nicole: "Leading by example" is similar to a third suggestion which is "treat others as you want to be treated" since it's difficult to expect someone to do something you wouldn't do yourself. Besides, if people see what you want, it's easier for them to do what you want. Insofar as consistency is concerned, someone once said "Consistency is the test of champions!" (I used this mantra when raising my children who are now grown.) The point is that consistency engenders trust--which is needed in any successful relationship. Vicki W
Samia & Nicole,
Thanks for continuing the conversation. We do not want the copy cat to take over.
Thanks again.
samia,
You are so right. Communication and the dissemination of the communication guidelines must be clear. Without this, communication will not be a successful component of the course.
Nicole, there is no doubt that leading by example is essential in a classroom be it online or brock and mortar.
I never cease to be amazed at the abruptness and rudeness of some individuals; that if noted by their learners, would lead to copy cat behavior and chaos.
Samia
In my opinion, clarity of communication guidelines is foundational. This removes from the equation, any guess work and any individual interpretation.
I believe that another equally important consideration is universal applicability - I2S; S2S; and S2!
Heather,
Your tone and keeping your communication clear and concise is so very important to the communication process. It's easier said than done. ;-) Thank you.
To establish a pattern of communication it is important to consider:
1. Tone - letting students know and understand about tone and how it can be misinterpreted.
2. Keeping communication clear and concise
The more I can mirror for my students the best way to communicate then the better.
Heather
Laura,
Right on. When the students understand the expectations, they know what they are working toward. This is essential in the communication process.
Thanks!
I believe the two most important things to consider when establishing a pattern of communication are:
1) Carefully outlining expectations and explaining the rationale for them; and
2) Consistently role-modeling the expected behaviors.
Expectations need to be clear in order for everybody to understand what is expected and they should be explained so that everybody understands that there are valid reasons for having the expectations. As the professor I believe it is my responsibility to role-model the behavior I expect of everybody within the classroom. It does not work to ask students to speak to one another respectfully if I do not role-model that in my own interactions with the students. It is, for me, about conducting myself with integrity.
Laura Smythe
Richard,
I like your use of the terms "common sense" and "tightening." Keep in mind, however, that common sense is not common! Ha! One of my favorite saying. ;-) You are right in that we need to think carefully about writing/speaking/body language, etc. Thanks for bringing that up in this forum.
Madhuchanda,
Very good. We need to ensure that all students understand the course expectations and they are all held to the same standard. That's the consistency piece. Nice job.
Ben,
Just as all students are different, so are all instructors in their communication skills and preferred methods of communication. Keeping it clear, no matter how you communicate is key. Thanks for the input.
lindsey,
Clear, concise communication is a goal we should all strive for. I am glad you also mentioned respect. We cannot stress that enough. Thanks for your input.
I teach online. Teaching online is somewhat different than in a conventional classroom, however these differences can be overcome with some common sense applied and a "tightening" of some expectations. I find that the biggest issue is the gesture of writing or speaking online, where body language, facial expressions and tone of voice may be misinterpreted even though a webcam is utilized.
So this is a concern. There are ways to compensate for this, and one would be to avoid being too subtle or chatty and sarcasm is a no-no; speak clearly and concisely but use warmth so you do not come across as a computer robot-voice. Keep the conversation fresh and engaging. The other consideration is a bit more general (for online or classroom teaching environments). Consistency in presenting information and a clear set of expectations so that all are accountable for their responsibilities.
