The two most important things to consider are clarity because students must be able to clearly understand what is being communicated and quick and accurate feedback to students in order for them to access their level of understanding.
I believe that consistency and respect are very important when establishing a pattern of communication. As instructors we hope that students will model our behavior and establishing consistent patterns of communications can become addictive. For example, addressing the student by name in a response makes the communication personal and helps to establish rapport I2S, S2I. and S2S. (I actually had a student begin a message to me with "Hey").To me that indicated total lack pf respect on the part of the student. Imagine if we addressed our comments that way? I noticed in a class that once I began addressing the students by name on the discussion boards, other students did as well. At the beginning of a session, students are looking to the instructor to establish standards in the patterns of communication and the more consistent that we as instructors are,the more quickly effective and consistent patterns of communication can develop.
First of all, establishing respect among all members of the class is paramount. Additionally, being open-minded to other's opinions while being respectful, allows the learning process to really take place and also allows for building stronger relationships. Teachers/facilitators are often expected to control their classes while establishing meaningful personal relationships and helping students to achieve acceptable standards in class.
Simone & Elton,
Thanks for sharing and trying new things. It's good to work toward civil and excellent communication between all that are involved.
Russell, Brian and Darlene,
Thanks to you all for continuing the conversation. We are learning so much from each other. Keep up the good work!
Russell,
Thanks for your input. Clear expectations are essential. I love the "u" and "i" focus. Excellent way to get students to see the point. Thank you.
stacey,
The course overview and syllabus are the first opportunity for communication with the students. You can't have a do-over on a first impression so make it great! Clear expectations set the stage for a successful course. Thanks!
David,
We can all learn from each other. Varied backgrounds can be challenging, yet an opportunity for excellent communication. Thanks!
Stacy,
Yes, we should be the best role models. Do the best to be a great communicator and role model excellence communication and timely feedback to your students.
Elton,
I have experience inappropriate emails based on language and format. I was not sure how to handle it but I did exactly what you said in hope that the student got the point. I always thank the student for the email, use their names, and let them know that they can still contact me if email is not clear to them.
Simone Branham
Brian and Darlene,
You both make great points about tone in our communication. I'm always monitoring the discussion boards for tone, as sometimes as Darlene suggests, students don't realize how they sound unless they're gently guided to that realization.
Russell Faulk
The two most important things for me are setting out clearly the expectations for what constitutes excellence and establishing two way communication. I always like to point out to my students that in the word communicate, notice how the "u" comes before the "i". In communicating, it's important to understand the other's viewpoint, the "u", before we focus on our "i".
Dr. Faulk
The two most important things to encourage a specific pattern of communication are:
1. Include communication expectations in the Course Overview. For example, let students know that posts to a forum require formal, standard English. Often students slip into "text writing" and don't use complete sentences or conventional writing standards. Making this clear at the start of the course ensures that students are aware of communication protocols.
1. Model communication behavior by beginning e-mails with the student's name (Hello Tom, or Thank you for your e-mail, Tara), and closing with your name on its own line (Kind regards, Your instructor, Stacey Kronquest). This follows the format of formal communication and raises the tone of the correspondence so that there is a high level of respect being modeled and conveyed.
Two of the most important things I believe are important to consider when establishing a pattern of communication are understanding and context.
I think realizing that students come from varied backgrounds, and being able to understand their experiences, will help establish rapport with the students. While that is being done I find that it is imperative to put information into the proper context. With the pace at which technology is evolving and the exposure students have to different environments, it pays to also ensure that the assignment and the information being covered are put in context as it relates to the subject matter at hand.
Example: Covering privacy laws with regard to HIPAA. One student may see this as a way for government to exercise control, whereas another may see it as a means of protecting personal information (not releasing medical information to just anyone).
It's important that instructors serve as a model. Students are usually attentive to the communication patterns of those who are facilitating the course and use this as a guide that impacts their communication. Sometimes, students' communication mirrors that of instructors.
It's helpful for instructors to provide immediate correction and guidance for students who seem to be exhibiting complications. This shows other students that facilitators want to ensure that their environments are safe.
Jill,
Expectations and communication are key elements of the online environment and getting the content across to the students. Feedback is a key component as well. Nice job.
For me the two most important things are:
1. clear set of communication rules (what is expected of the student)
2. Consistency with corrections and communication.
99% of all my students are used to communicating using texting language and it seems to be a difficult barrier to overcome in some instances. I find that clear expectations and consistant communication/corrections will eventually get them on track. You have to find that balance between being tactful, positive and firm.
Kimberley,
Yes, consistency. You are right on with your thoughts.
Dulcinea,
Frequency and consistency are the key. Meaningful feedback is also essential. Thanks for your input.
When establishing a pattern of communication the instructor needs to be consistent. The pattern needs to be frequent in order to develop the communication bond between the instructor and the student. Because we are in an online environment consistency in the communication allows the students to feel connected to the class and provides them with an opportunity to feel that they have help whenever it is needed.
Another important thing to consider is the communication code of conduct. Both students and instructors must adhere to the nettique rules outlined so that the pattern of communication is always respectful and condusive to positive learning.
