I believe that communication guidelines must be all inclusive, so:
1. Communication guidelines should not only cover how the student communicates with the instructor and how the students communicate with each other, but also how the instructors communicate with students. For example if an instructor expects students to respond to them within 24 hours, the students should expect the same.
2. Availability of both students and instructors. If the instructor expects the students to respond over a weekend. The instructor must also be available to respond over a weekend.
-Chris
The first pattern I like to establish is questioning as I encourage all my students to ask questions even if they think it is silly or not as more than likely someone else has the same question but is afraid to ask it. I also believe that formative feedback and evaluation is also very important. When a post is answered it usually contains other questions that lead to further communication. Everyone wants to know that they are headed in the right direction with their answers.
Be respectful and remain professional. ~Audrey
Sloan,
R-E-S-P-E-C-T - they made a song about that. ;-) BUT, you are so right. The respect factor goes a long way. The point about contributions being meaningful come from this basis as well. Thanks so much.
Janet,
Without clear expectations, no one (especially the students) know where they are going. Without that direction, how can learning outcomes be achieved. Great point! Thank you.
First, students must treat each other with respect.As an online instructor for many years, I set up guidelines regarding tone of responses by the students. Second, no unsubstanctive responses are allowed. Students must make a meaningful contribution and move the conversation foward. No two word answers are allowed.
I think expectations should be clear. I teach clinical courses which rely on research and data or scientific based facts. So when I construct discussions I make it clear that students are expected to do some research and support all opinions with facts. I also require a reference.
I use a rubric to provide examples.
I also think it is important to emphasize good communication because my experience with business leaders is that the one weakness of college graduates now is that they cannot construct documents using proper grammar and spelling. So I inform students that expectations are that they will not use text language and that proper grammar and spelling are graded. I think this teaches not only proper communication skills but also professionalism.
Christine,
So true. "Pattern" is the key word. Once you establish those expectations, communicate clearly and give them feedback in a timely manner, the pattern is set. Thanks for your input.
When establishing a pattern of communication I feel consistency and clarity are extremely important. Students need to know what forms of communication are available to them and when to use them. It is also important to outline expectations for timeliness and when they can expect feedback.
For instance, that you will reply to email within 24 hours of receipt and/or that they can expect feedback on assignments by Tuesday of each week at midnight. Rubrics are an excellent tool to clarify assignment expectations. The instructors need to stay consistent with pattern they have developed.
Aldgenette,
Right on. The communication process goes beyond the instructor communicating with the students (I2S communication). Thanks for bringing that up.
When establishing a pattern of communication, the two most important things to consider are:
1.) How the online instructor communicates to the students.
2.) How the students communicate to their online peers, as well as their instructor.
The online instructor must set the standards which will in returns govern the communication and actions of the students; whether they are responding to their instructor, or their fellow classmates. They will already know the communication code of conduct; as well as the consequences that follow.
Marjorie,
The key word is "pattern." We have to serve as a leader, yet supporter of the learning process.
Nice job.
When developing a pattern of communication, it is very important to address the following two areas:
1) Be consistent. This way the students learn that they can count on the instructor to be there for them and to be respectful to them.
2) Be caring and supportive in both student-to-student communication and also between student and instructor. If a student crosses the line in netique be there for both students. Explain why the action was inappropriate for the one student and why, and be there to support and and be compassionate and helpful to the other student. Continue to share proper communication procedures to all students.
What do you think about my thoughts?
Sincerely,
Marjorie Thrall Moller
Robin,
Excellent. You hit on the key "C" words - clear, concise, communication. Thanks.
I believe that clarity and consistency are important to consider. Without clarity, we don't know what's being communicated. Consistency reinforces clarity. Clear expectations and a pattern of tone (netiquette) will keep everyone on the same page.
Lyn ,
Good points. Communication should be professional and include the proper amount of information. When you model this and explain the expectations clearly to the students, they will do the same. Nice job.
Dawn,
Clear expectations help students understand the communication expectations. With that in mind, a patter can emerge from the consistency of communication. Thanks!
Hi everyone,
Here are two things to consider, but there are many more.
1. Polite/ professional communication and language. Clearly, there is no place in communications for anger, insults, or "bad language." Students can debate and comment on other positions, but not attack the other person, or me. :) Professional also means to edit for clearly written comments using college level writing.
2. Substantive comments and writing. I teach science and emphasize that the best answers are written in students' own words, but with specific facts and examples, often cited from credible references. Back up and support your ideas and positions with specifics; this earns a higher grade.
I try to model both of these in my communications in the class and when responding to individual students. Lyn Hoffmann
In order to establish an effective pattern of communication, there needs to be clear expectations such as how many posts need to be placed in the DB. Faculty also needs to offer quick turn-around in email responses in order to set a pattern of consistency.
Thank you,
Dawn
Tanya,
So true. We have to connect the institution's policy, students and expectations to begin to develop that pattern of communication. Thanks for your input.
