Measuring Good Communication | Origin: EL105
This is a general discussion forum for the following learning topic:
Online Language: Communicating with Students --> Measuring Good Communication
Post what you've learned about this topic and how you intend to apply it. Feel free to post questions and comments too.
Rubrics can describe instructor expectations in the class.
I found the use of rubrics to evaluate discussions very useful. Currently we have a rubric that evaluates students knowledge of the topic, critical thinking skills, and grammar...however it is missing the piece on netiquette. I currently have a student who is very rude and unprofessional in her tone in discussions. I think setting the tone in the beginning of the course "code of conduct" and have this reflected into the rubric would help redirect students with this behavior.
Netiquette is a delicate subject and difficult thing to implement with a strong-worded student. Some students treat their online courses like a social media wall and have absolutely no problems 'blasting' their peers when they 'disagree' or even 'agree' with their posts. I've had to play online referee several times, and it was not fun!
I learned that Rubrics are necessary to communicate to students the course assessment criteria and aid myself as the instructor in being consistent in the way a course is being assessed.
Having and using a Rubric allows instructors to analyze and be consistent in grading assignments. It also allows students to refer to it to ensure they submit the assignment that meets the requirements as detailed in the Rubric.
I enjoyed learning about how to engage students and set up expectations for discussions. They're always so daunting, but the steps provided in this module are encouraging. Being able to engage students and have them actively pursue their own learning is so important, and these are great methods for doing so in online courses.
The online instructor must work to guide the responsiveness of students. Giving prompt, constructive feedback is essential to keeping the students engaged and to help prevent the simplistic response to discussion posts.
The use of rubrics for communication. The need to refrain from posting immediate answers to the discussion boards and stating immediately if something is right or wrong but share ideas and opinions.
Communication, collaboration, organization and the use of the rubric will help the students feel that they are a part of an online community where they can engage with one another and be successful at reaching their goals.
It is important to be consistent, promote class discussions and student learning from each other.
Reply to Nicole Golden's post:Replying to student's comments with personal comments like addressing the student by name, and requiring them to address each other by name helps create community. It is also recommend to being each class with a "warm up" session with small talk and time to address any questions of a general interest.
I see areas I can implement from this section immediately around discussion forums and communications rubrics.
In this module I learned the importance of discussion boards and an instructor's responsibility by providing timely feedback in online teaching. The discussion board serves as a platform to build community and have the students participate in the content of the course and meet the course objectives. It is important to have a Rubrics to grade this assignment and to have consistency and transparency.
Educators can communicate effectively by establishing strong rubrics. Rubrics are great tools that are used to assess students.
Rubrics are an important tool for me to be consistent with grading for online discussion. It really help with student knowing what is expected from them and they seem to follow the Rubric for Discussion.
A rubric is a form of communication that can clearly communicate understanding and expectations.
Assessment via a rubric is a consistent way to set expectations for one and all. A Code of Communication does need to be established, communicated and followed by one and all, instructor and students.
Rubrics should be provided for discussion posts as they give students very clear expectations for how they can earn their points and most effectively engage in the discussion.
I have learned how important having specific guidelines are and how beneficial rubrics can be to help assist with evaluatiions of the student's work.
