Ways to remind students they are not alone!
Use the classroom announcement board to remind students that you are there to assist; that your virtual doors are open. Let students know that if needed you are willing to provide them with a phone call to discuss their concern if they feel it is necessary and would help to address their concerns. However you should remind them of your preferred method of communication.
I also reply to all emails within 24 hours, and I am also positive and encouraging. I have found that being as helpful as I possibly can really works, and engages the students further.
I've found it helpful to also ask students what experience they may have that relates to the topics we are discussing or messages I want to get across to them. It helps for getting some good examples in addition to the ones I've come up with on my own!
It seems to help with building a sense of community too and hopefully helps to make it feel like the entire class is talking about the topics instead of just me talking at them about the topics.
-Sarah
Norwyn
One thing I do is respond to all student emails within 24 hours and in my replies I am always positive and encouraging. I do that so the students can see I want them to succeed in the class.
Dennis
I have always found in class that when I can tell the students of my experience that relates to the topic at hand it goes over well with the students
Bari,
Personal, real-world examples can be a powerful teaching tool. Thanks for sharing.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
When applicable, I include a short scenario, possibly my personal experience or experience in class, to share message of the announcements, or provide direction. In this way, students feel thay have a real person teaching the class, and can relate to their class experiences. I add an announcement after a Live Chat, relating to the topics discussed, and connecting the Chat to the classroom to the student. My online office hours have become an immediate response time for students, who prefer to communicate through the chat box. This keeps the lines of communication open beyond the email.
Dr. Bari Courts
