Communication
It has been my experience with online learning classroom that communication is a key to success to any online student.
Thanks,
Marina
Meghana,
True, and at that point I try to reach out to them individually if needed. However, since my programs are asynchronous, I make sure I record any Synch. sessions I do so the students can watch them later if missed or for remediation, and make myself available for anything they might not understand.
Herbert Brown III
Emails, discussion boards play important role in communication. But what if students miss chat session? It becomes difficult to know their issues unless they talk about it.
Communication plus timeliness = positive regard of students on student surveys. I've always made it a point to respond to emails within 24 hours. I get a nervous twitch if I haven't checked my emails in 10 or 12 hours. I also make it a point to get grades back with constructive feedback by Monday night after the week ends. I get a lot of positive regard just for those two items. Extra sessions, interesting material added to discussion boards, 2 or 3 announcements every week. All the above let the student know that I'm there.
I, too, find that communication is key. It not only should occur often, but the tone in which it is done is important. I try to convey that I enjoy the course material, that I am understanding to their needs and that I care that they pass the course. This works wonderfully for me, especially with the high-risk students that are more likely to quit when faced with adversity.
I absolutely agree! I constantly remind my students that communication in the online environment is key. They need to be able to communicate with me and their fellow classmates often in order to achieve optimal learning in an online course.
I agree that the type of communication is just as important as communicating in general. When communicating online, we (as instructors) have to be mindful of HOW that message will be received. There is plenty of room for misinterpretation ... on both parts. So be clear, concise and as supportive as possible when dealing with online communication. The last thing any of wants is to alienate a student while trying to help!
Absolutely!!! Communication in any academic setting is key, but especially in an online environment. In an online environment, it is vital that students and instructors develop a strong communication foundation from the beginning. Strong communication leads to a clear understanding of expectations from both the instructor and the student. Open communication also develops a strong trust and sense of confidence for the student to ask questions and reveal concerns to the instructor.
Communication is key in the online environment, but the type of communication is important.
On the discussion board, I try to draw students out to engage in discussion, challenge one another, and expand on topics. I like to encourage debate and pull together groups of students who have differing opinions so they can engage with one another.
Active debate not only allows us to consider alternative points of view, but it also forces us to solidify (or question) our current position.
To respond to Marina and Dr. Brown, I really feel like learners need some kind of personal connection right from the start. They need consistent communication throughout the course, yes, but in the beginning they need to feel like you have something invested in their success as the instructor. I think positive feedback at the start is the key to establishing good communication. I like to give students a small (5 pt) assignment that is personal for them and one that they can easily succeed at just to get the lines going.
I agree too that communication is most important key to success our online student.
Hello Marina
I agree. With experience as an online learner, it made me feel much more comfortable in e-classes with lots of communication.
Marina,
Communication is a key element. Are there any others that you have come across? Is there any specific communication that you have found is more important that others?
Herbert Brown III
