The CCC is very important in regards to getting students to recognize the difference in academia and social systems. With the use of Rubrics, making sure students understand that there is a standard will aid in ensuring that the messages are relayed and learning is going forward in the environment.
Monique
Bonnie,
I like that you use the term "real person." So many times online students feel like a number and that some "computerized robot" is in charge. ;-) The "person" effect has great impact. Thanks for bringing that up.
Carol,
When the students understand the expectations, they can more easily move forward in the communication or toward the objectives. Timely communication enhances this as well. Nice job.
Patricia,
Yes, we can't have a continual pattern without availability of the instructor and guidelines for proper communication. Good point!
I think that the two most important things to consider when establishing a pattern of communication would include:
1.) establishing instructor availability and response to students, because then students know what to expect with feedback and response and it avoids the instructor being 'on call' 24/7.
2.) guidelines for communication conduct like rules of netiquette, proper posting guidelines for discussions, etc. so students have same expectations to follow, mannerisms, and mutual respect.
In order to establish an effective pattern of communication, I think first expectations should be clear. I've been in online courses that required a minimum amount of postings expected and stated it should be more than "I agree", but not much beyond that. Since then I've had students that have significant stress about how much to write in a posting. They are prolific writers and tend to make them too long, or the opposite, So now I give them a length...one paragraph that consists of 5-8 sentences. Or something like that.
The second thing would probably a predictable time frame for expected feedback. They have lives too and it's annoying having to constantly check to see if the instructor has answered. If they know that I'm on every day between certain times to respond to questions then they can relax a little until that time.
Dr. Tena:
Daily email response is critical in establishing
student trust. Students need to know that there is a real person within the virtual classroom. Discussion boards allow a medium for the students to communicate with their peers, again solidifying the fact that there are real people within the virtual setting. Communication fosters learning through interaction.
Sarah,
Love your "C" words: clear, concise, communication. If you combine that with timeliness, as you noted, the pattern will emerge. Nice job.
Patterns of communication are timeliness and clear, concise communication.
If you have not set times to communicate or times for discussion - then the student will not particpate, obviously and also feels like no one cares. When there is no returned emailed - when there are no guidelines for when that can take place as well.
Derek,
Being positive in your comments and providing timely feedback is essential. Students must be able to clearly communication and decipher the message immediately. So, concise communication can benefit all as well. Thanks.
I believe the two most important factors are timeliness and positivity. As an instructor, students need to know their messages or posts on a discussion board will be replied to within a given time frame. Making students wait days for a response hurts the communication process. Keeping a positive tone even if students are not performing at a high level is also key. If the instructor shows he believes in the students, they are more likely to believe they can be successful.
Lindsey,
Communication which is timely and frequent is important. Thanks for providing your examples as well. It makes your "communication" more clear - just as we want to do for our students.
Two important things to consider are frequency of communication and communication format. For example, it is important to both tell your students how often you will be online checking email, discussion boards, etc, as well as establishing appropriate use of the different forms. For example, email for urgent matters and discussion boards for general comments and conversation. It is not uncommon for a student to try to ask me important and time sensitive question in a discussion board where I may not read every post made each day, and certainly not multiple times a day, as opposed to my email which I check multiple times a day. It is important that this is communicated clearly to the student.
