Get Your Students Hired
I find that I when I answer an email from a student quickly, it makes the student feel comfortable. I also send personal emails through out the semester simply asking how they are doing and provide them with an assessment early on. It takes some work, but it does help with the issue of virtual versus the traditional classroom.
Antonia,
I think that your quick response is great! I feel the same way. I wouldn't consider myself a "rapid" responder, but I do ensure that I check for emails and questions multiple times a day. I also ensure I hold office hours on two different days at different times for students to call with any questions. I know it can be tough going back and forth in emails and sometimes waiting hours in between for responses between instructor and student can become very overwhelming, I've found that sometimes it is easier to just pick up the phone if needed.
Leslie
Jeanean,
That has been my experience as well. However, there is a drawback to extremely rapid response. Students come to expect it at all times of the day and night. If they typically get responses in 30 minutes or less and they contact you at 3am and you don't respond they might say you were not responsive. It is very important to set the expectation up front in the course expectations....for example a 24 hour response. If you can do better then that is great, but they know the expectation is 24 hours.
Herbert Brown III
Antonia,
"I find that I when I answer an email from a student quickly, it makes the student feel comfortable."
True. In this we are kindred spirits as in my opinion rapid responses and feedback show my engagement and overall respect for my students.
Terry,
The timeliness and thoroughness of feedback can really establish the "presence" of an instructor in a course. If you are not participating regularly in a course students will not see you as present in the course.
Herbert Brown III
Candace,
A "page" I am guessing you mean a discussion forum where you post announcements or a static webpage where you post them so students can go to that one location and find all of the class announcements? That is a pretty common way to get basic information out to all of them at once. I do also find it necessary to provide them with one on one feedback throughout the course so they feel more connected with me and the course material.
Herbert Brown III
Through trial and error, I have concluded that a specific page entitled "announcements" is the most effective way to reach the student. Easy to find and access is critical. Personal emails are important but I have more success with a page within the course. It is the first thing they see when opening the course.
Ignacio,
I also try to give the students regular reminders in the course. I once thought it was best to allow the students to sink or swim on their own with minimal reminders, then I realized the crazy schedules we all have and figured I am there to support the students in their learning. I want them to be self starters and build organization skills, but I don't believe this negates that.
Herbert Brown III
I completely agree. It is important for students to know that there is someone at the other side of the computer for whom their concerns and doubts are important. And also, being proactive with students (with practices such as deadline reminders, or simply follow up messages to see who they are doing, is a great way to enhance participation from not so active students.