Communicate Effectively
A key to good communication is effectively asking questions. The two types of questions are open-ended and closed-ended. It is preferred to ask open-ended questions because they stimulate discussion and thinking. It is important to use clear, concise questions and wait before answering your own question, to give the students a chance to come up with the answer themselves. When responding to answers, provide acknowledgement, paraphrase the response, and capture the essence of the answer. These simple rules will help immensely.
Dr. Marcia L. Brown, PMP
Kenneth,
That "family" creates a learning environment where they want to work together toward the learning outcomes. Nice job.
Kenneth,
Communication, communication, communication. . .did we say, communication? ;-) It's the key to everything in the online environment. Keep it up!
Alice,
Interesting point with self esteem. Online students can lose their interest or motivation mid-way through their course or program, but the constant interaction creates a "family" and a sense of self esteem.
Kenneth
Communication is the first level. Communication is defined here as the basic level of discussion in an online format. Students must participate in discussion to have presence in the class. Communication can be focused around readings, lectures, and anything students need clarified. Student interaction mostly occurs through an online threaded discussion that allows students and instructors to interact in asynchronous time.
The instructor's role is important in encouraging class discussions online and communicating objectives.
Kenneth Terrell
Alice,
Getting students to develop answers and communication through open ended questions can lead to deeper and more vital communication. Keep it up!
We all learn from each other - even our own students. ;-)
I so agree with the open ended questions. I encourages them to talk and it doesn't make it look like you know all the answers. I also think it reinforces that the students know these answers too. This does a terrific thing for self esteem which is sometimes lacking in these students.
The clearer and more concise they are, the better the answers form the students. This was a great post!
Marcia,
Right on. Many times people forget about how effective questioning can be. It takes some practice and possibly some training on the students part as well, but they can be very effective components in the communication process. Thanks for your input.
