1. Staying in contact with the students as much as possible. Little forum thread discussions, emails to students.
2. Stay consistent in communication. You cant be on top of things 2-3 times a week and then disappear for 3 weeks.
Denise,
Respect and civility play essential parts in the development of the pattern of communication. Great job.
Lindsey,
Clear guidelines and tone can set the stage for the pattern of communication. Nice job.
Patterns of communication should be:
Respectful on both sides for the students and the instructors.
Have dignified answers and have civility.
I believe that the two most important factors when establishing a pattern of communication are as follows:
1. The Instructor must communicate the guidelines in a clear, efficient way to the learners.
2. Set the right tone for communicating with fellow peers. The language must not be offensive in any way and should be followed by the instructor on a daily bases, if not hourly.
Lindsey Fillman
Heather,
Being timely, descriptive, positive, and consistent in your communication helps establish an effective pattern. Thanks!
The main thing is to be able to respond in a timely manor. The other thing is to be descriptive. I feel the faster you are to answer or grade the easier it will be for them to learn and correct themselves in a timely manor. You have to be descriptive so you don't have a back and forth communication that doesn't help the student.
Angela,
We don't realize how much, many times, we serve as a role model without even trying. Good point. Keep it up!
Valerie,
I agree that communication guidelines are essential. I like that you noted that these should be discuss right up front. Great idea.
There are many important aspects to consider when establishing a pattern of communication. To me, the two most important would be:
-- setting a model -- providing a clear model of what the expectation is and giving examples for students to digest and ask question about if need be
-- frequency -- set a clear and solid expectation as to what the frequency should be. I have found in the only online environment students often under communicate so setting up a clear frequency expectation from the beginning can help establish a better pattern.
From my experiences, I have found that students have to have communication guidelines.
When I first open a course, I put a Introduction in place that includes guidelines. These include:
When I'm online or not online. I usually don't respond to emails/questions on Sundays.
I also make it clear that I am on Eastern Time, while the vast majority of the students I teach are either on Central or Mountain time. Therefore,I place a limit on when they can text me.
I also include the fact that responses must be in complete sentences. No text talk allowed.
By placing these guidelines up front, I usually do not have many communication issues.
Valerie Miller
Maureen,
So true. If the pattern is established, these things will be clear.
Patterns of communication need to be established so:
1. Student knows what to expect.
2. Instructor knows what to expect.
3. So communication is understandable and easy.
Coleen and Dr. Molnar,
It's great to be available to students, but also let them know when you'll be available. That helps sets the tone for the course and communication as well. Nice job.
Coleen,
Clear and concise - two great "C" words I like to see when discussing course guidelines, communication and other aspects of the online course environment. Thanks for your input.
Very good, Dr. Molnar!
As a previous online student who worked FT as well, I needed to know my instrcutor was available when I needed them on the weekends. I always give my students various ways to contact me so they do not have to always wait 24 hours if there is an urgent request they might have. Great post!!
Set clear and concise guidelines at the beginning of the course and let students know how often you will be checking emails. For example, we might explain we check emails twice daily at 9 AM EST and again at 7 PM EST. Next, we should lead by setting an example. If we as instructors do not post substantive posts, the students will follow our example. Additionally, we are also setting an example by logging in each day which shows consistency and availability.
Michael,
Yes, and every class has a different "norm." Letting the students know what to expect is key.
Thanks!
Michael,
Yes, the schedule is very important in the synchronous environment. This can be a challenge. Thanks for bringing this up.
Aundrea,
The consistency and substance you refer to help build that "pattern." That's the best road map you can provide.
Thanks!
