Kevin Lovelace, I think that having a schedule for when you are available for synchronous communication is key in an online course. We should also keep in mind the student can take advantage of asynchronous means, if they can't take advantage of the synchronous means such as the classroom discussion board, or e-mail. Thank you. Mike Crowley
Dr. Crews, I think that establishing the norms for the communication in the classroom is essential, then you also need to let the students know when you will be available synchronously, and asynchronously. Thank you. Mike Crowley
When considering the pattern of communication, I believe the two more important things are as follows:
1. Consistency - While I do understand that most students was an immediate response, we must set up boundaries, and remain consistent in those boundaries. Our institution has set up a 24-48 hour rule; however, I will normally reply immediately upon reading a communication as much as possible. If more is required, I will set a deadline for myself to respond within the institutional parameters. The students also know that if I see their message and need time to respond, I will acknowledge receipt of their message, and inform the student that I will reply in depth within a certain time parameter.
2. Substance - As professors, we expect our students to respond to us and to their peers with substance, particularly in the discussion boards. However, we must be the first partaker in providing substance in order to enhance the learning and communication process. I give very detailed notes and/or responses. While I do not necessarily expect the very same level of detail, I provide a pattern of communication that functions as a road map for each student.
Sueanne ,
Excellent. If our students don't know what to expect and we're not consistent, the "pattern" will never emerge. Nice job.
The two I consider to be the most important are:
1) Clear statement of expections from the beginning of the so everyone understands the "what and when" that is needed from them, their classmates and their Instructor. Since there is no face-to-face these upfront guidelines provide a time to ask questions, reduce the uncertainty and hopefully eliminate any unknowns.
2) Consistency and known consequences if expectations are not met and Instructor's availability when expectations can not be met.
Thomas,
Good point. I like that your explain how to make a pattern emerge from modeling and facilitating communication. You are right on target!
The first important thing to consider is the pattern of communication must be seen as a process. By process, I mean communication in any class requires both modeling and facilitation by the instructor. Therefore, a clear and sensible guideline is needed. However, the words must be matched by the actions of the instructor.
Secondly, communication must be done in timely manner and encourage more communication. For example, in the discussion forum create scenarios and end with open-ended questions.This strategy is reinforced by using specific names of course participants. This step draws people further into the conversation. If a student emails a response with a question, personalize your response with a statement asking for understanding or if more clarity is needed.
In short, a successful pattern of communication requires subtle redundancy.
Erica,
"Pattern" is the key word. So, we have to keep in contact with the students explaining the expectations, giving them explanations, etc. Good point!
When establishing a pattern of communication I believe that expectations are the most important things to consider. I provide students with an explanation of my expectations, actual examples to illustrate my expectations, rubrics for students to keep, and I constantly model and reinforce my expectations. I feel that students become frustrated when expectations are not clear, and expectations allow me to remain consistent with all students throughout the communication process. Next, it is important to consider availability. Being that we are working in an on-line environment, it is important to remember students and instructors have very busy lives outside of the on-line classroom. Considering availability establishes respect and allows everyone an equal opportunity to participate.
Alexander,
The rules and expectations are essential components. Thanks for adding to the conversation.
Setting rules for the communication as well as expectations of what to communicate.
William,
Discuss, explain, remind - all key components to developing that pattern. Thanks!
When establishing a pattern of communication first I would discuss method such as email, texting or telephone. I would also explain that email is my preference for most communication and I would use texting for reminders and the telephone for one to one help. Next to discuss available hours for both the instructor and student for communication. Instructors typically have set office hours and 24 hours response on emails but it also would be nice to know when the students are available for communication.
Kevin ,
Mode, time, and access are all key components to consider when communicating with anyone, but especially students in an online course. Thank you.
When establishing a mode of communication i feel that mode of communication and time if communication must be established first. Students in an online environment may not have access to certain technology and therefore a simple phone call might be the best mode to communicate. I also feel that setting a time with time zone can also help students understand when and how often their faculty is available to help with academic issues.
Donald,
So glad you added boundaries to this conversation. We have to have those boundaries. We should not be 24/7 instructors. Good point.
Carla,
Being consistent many times does include that availability and being consistent in anything helps develop a pattern. Thanks!
Dr. Crew & Colleagues:
I think Consistency and Boundaries are the two most important things to consider because:
1) By setting "consistency" communication expectations with students they can expect when a faculty will get back to their private emails as well as expectations of when to expect responses to class discussion questions.
2) By Setting "boundaries" in terms of communication with students and faculty it further enhances student expectations of communication with faculty while allowing the faculty to not be a 24/7 instructor that students contact at all hours and days expecting a response.
Don Olsen
Be available!!!
Be consistent!
Laura,
Yes! You, as the instructor, set the stage of your class. Therefore, professional communication is essential. Nice job.
