Amber,
Thank you for joining the forum. Many students enjoy communicating through social media or via email. Another excellent feature of email is the fact that it provides a written record.
Cindy Bryant
Emails are often the easiest way to communicate. The prospective student can reply at a time that works for them, and it is often the easiest way to reach them.
I much prefer email in daily interactions with students because it contains a written, documented record of what I need from them, information they need to have, etc. Unfortunately, I also find that many times this is not enough. While email can be helpful, I find that it is best used in combination with face-to-face interactions and as a follow-up to the conversation. That way, the student feels a connection and interest from me as to their well-being and my concern for their issue/question. The email as a follow-up can then document what we discussed and have a paper trail if there are ever any questions.
It is also easier for both of us to get the non-verbal communciation that is so vital to building trust and understanding between people when we meet in person. Sometimes emails can be misconstrued, no matter how careful I may be with my tone.
It's so easy to get lost in the technology cloud, and I've had many students that I've emailed say "I never got it," either because it got filed in their spam folder or because they don't want to admit accountability. Face-to-face complemented with email works best for me, because then email backs up what we discuss together instead of being the only form of communication.
i think texting has been great to got prospective students in the building to tour.
Sarah,
Texting has become the preferred method of communication for most students. I have noticed that I text more often now with my peers and business associates. Thanks for staying up with current trends.
Cindy Bryant
I have found texting to be an extremely useful tool currently. I have found that many more students respond to text than phone calls.
Mala,
Eye contact is a critical listening skill. Thank you for reminding us that there is not a substitute for interpersonal contact.
Cindy Bryant
Ilene,
Thank you for bringing up a great point. Communication methods are most effective when they are congruent with each other.
Cindy Bryant
I agree. They say the eyes are the windows of the soul. When people have eye contact, a connection is made that doesn't happen any other way. We see body language, hear vocal intonations, and get so much more information about the other person. Based on that information, trust can develop in a way that can not happen electronically.
I would say the most efficient way to communicate is email. Almost everyone has a smart phone nowadays and can access their email at the touch of a button. I also believe that if you are contacting a student (not about disclosure information), Facebook is also a reasonable communication tool.
While methods of communication have changed, I feel it is important to create a balance between technological and in-person communciation. My experience has led me to observe that individuals appreciate having electronic or written documentation about what they are researching or investing in (be it school or another venue), but equally important is matching the presented information with verbal and in-person responses and relationships. This helps to build trust and reliance in the education a student is pursuing.
we should always be honest and clear when communicating with students.
Denis,
Skype is a wonderful tool that allows us to stay connected to those far away. Is Skype received well by your students?
Cindy Bryant
I use skype whenever possible and when agreed upon as it is as close to a face-to face communication as you can get.
Lora,
Everyone has a specific method of communication that works for them. I strongly suggest that what ever works for you is the best mode of communication.
Cindy Bryant
I still find face to face communication and providing written documentation to be the most useful and effective. Often e-mails or texts can be misunderstood and without the face to face interaction you can not tell if a student is really reading or understanding the information presented. The face to face interaction does not guarantee optimum communication, but it helps us to make that assessment a little easier.
Rene,
Social media and technology has definitely change the landscape of communication. I would agree with you that students prefer to communicate electronically as opposed to face-to-face BUT at some point the face-to-face becomes so critical. For instance, a job interview. I prefer using a a combination of methods to reach students.
Cindy Bryant
In my opinion, email is the most useful form of communication. Many students avoid actual contact and prefer emailing. It is also useful because conversations can be documented for future reference.
Bill,
In a world of instantaneous communication we have to use the best possible means to stay in touch with our students. You raise a good point that all written communication must be as truthful as verbal communication. Thanks for sharing.
Cindy Bryant
The most useful type of communication in my opinion is email. With many students possessing a smart phone, I find that I get the best results through emailing a student as they have the device on them at all times. I also feel that email can be the most effective to keep associates truthful, as email can be read and re-read at any time. This means all emails need to be honest and truthful in order to avoid any compliance problems or misunderstandings. If your emails are clear and truthful the student understands all requirements and communications.
