When establishing a pattern of communication, what do you believe are the two most important things to consider and why?
Professional communication.
I think it is very important to model professional communication in the classroom. All written communication should be checked for spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Students should also be encouraged to double-check their posts prior to posting. This can be done by typing the post into Word and running a spelling/grammar checker prior to posting. Texing abbreviations should also be discouraged.
Respect, courteous.
Students should be encouraged to communication in a manner that is professional and courteous. Discussions should never include personal attacks. Students should learn to verbalize and defend their views and disagree while remaining professional.
Samuel,
The code of conduct for communication and the timely feedback will definitely develop the "pattern." Nice job.
Paulette,
You have good "C" words too - communication, clear, consistent and consequences. Nice job.
The two most important things to consider when establishing a pattern of communication are: communication code of conduct and responding in a timely manner.
Communication code of conduct is important because it requires every student to feel safe and everyone is respected.
Responding to the student within 24 hours and 48 on the weekends are important to strong communication.
Samuel Bufkin
Dr. Crews,
1. Clear explanation of guidelines for communication among I2S, S2I and S2S.
2. Enforcing the guidelines fairly and consistently.
3. Clear statement of the consequences for not abiding by those guidelines.
Paulette
Cathy,
You are right. It's hard to narrow the list down, but your two are important. Students have to know what is expected of them and how to communication in a consistent manner. I always tell students that proactive communication is best. Don't wait until something is about ready to "blow up" and then communicate. Be proactive. Thanks for your input.
Mark,
I love all of those "C" words: communication, clear, clarity, continual - they all lead to a pattern. Thanks!
Dan,
Thanks for the "course kudos." Glad you are continuing to learn. You are right on target and providing examples for students while being consistent in your communication will benefit the students. Thanks!
When establishing a pattern of communication, I think there are a lot of important things to consider but if I had to pick two that I think are most important I would say 1) establishing expectations and 2) consistency.
1) In regards to establishing expectations, I like the idea presented in this module of developing a communication code of conduct. This should be presented to students at the beginning of the course. It's not fair to hold students accountable for behaviors they did not know the instructor finds unacceptable.
2) In terms of consistency, it's important for the instructor to communicate to students frequently and on a regular basis. This should include regularly scheduled communications such as weekly announcements, feedback on assignments, etc. It should also include consistent monitoring of and engagement in Discussion Boards.
The two most important things to consider when establishing a pattern of communication are clarity of communication guidelines and clarity of the process. Clarity of communication guidelines can be codified in a conduct statement in a syllabus and via resources such as a link or short quiz about netiquette. Clear rules and consequences should be defined in the syllabus. Secondly, clarity of process ensures that students understand the expectations of "how" they should communicate in the classroom and at what times or in what areas they are expected to contribute. This clarity also includes an understanding of when the instructor will be available and how often feedback will be provided. If these two areas are well defined, a patten of effective communication can begin to develop.
- Mark W.
I deeply appreciate how this course places the burden on the online instructor to manage the communications in class. This, in itself, can sometimes feel like a full-time job, but it is an important element to keep the environment calm and professional, and to promote learning.
Two most important things?
1. Consistency. And by consistency, I mean, constantly reviewing the posts and discussion boards, and correcting students where they go astray. I like the idea of flagging specific postings as acceptable or needs improvement. In order to prevent inappropriate postings, perhaps an instructor should have the authority to prevent certain posts from being displayed until they are improved/corrected in accordance with the course communication requirements. Until a post is corrected and "released" to be displayed, no credit is earned. This may help stop any "class clowns" or disruptive students from impacting the entire class. Obviously, this would be a major time burden for an instructor to monitor ALL communications as they come in... perhaps the option to "Review Before Release" on specific students who require such guidance is the better way.
Establish the rules, and then enforce them. Otherwise, discussion boards can become an ineffective chat session and students may lose focus on the topic and educational purpose of the discussion board.
Another important thing?
2. Concrete examples: Using analogies and real-world examples of appropriate vs. non-appropriate forms of communication were most helpful to me in my online college learning days. Instructors would often provide examples of how to (or how NOT to) respond to various postings. They were also adept at drawing the lines between content, process, and feedback-based discussions. It was also helpful to have a 'student lounge' available that the instructor could direct students to (when the student's discussions started going off-target of the original discussion question. In some cases, the discussion would become a "text fight" and asking those students to move their discussion to "the lounge" usually solved the problem quickly. (As I recall, the instructor has no responsibility for monitoring or commenting in the Student Lounge area.)
It helped most that the instructor *set the best example* in all their postings and responses.
Michael,
Right on! Clear and precise communication is essential. We don't want our students to become confused or frustrated with the communication process. Thanks!
When establishing communication, it will be helpful if all information is clear and precise. If students are not clear what is being said then things may not be as productive or instructions may not be followed. Secondly, I believe there should be courtesy and polite behavior to everyone. Remember the golden rule, do unto others and you want them to do unto you. In others speak to someone as you want them to speak to you.
Sherrilyn,
Very good. We have to ensure the students understand what they are working toward and why. Everything has to be connected to the learning objectives. Thanks for your input.
Establish a clear expectation for communication. This includes the format of communication to be used within the course. This will ensure that everyone is on the same page and understands how to communication with each other inside the classroom.
Consistency - Students should know how often you will check your email and when to expect feedback or a response to their emails. This would also include when the student should expect to receive a grade for their assignments.
Alfred,
These are good steps to develop a great pattern of communication. We want to model this to our students so they develop a pattern as well. Thanks!
Dr. Christopher,
Without the guidelines, who knows what to do? You're right. These guidelines have to be clear and easy to follow. I'm a 24 hour rull follower too. Thanks!
Gail ,
I always tell my students that I'm not a mind reader. If they don't tell me what they don't understand, I don't know what they don't understand. Communication is key. Thanks!
Audrey,
Professionalism is a great thing consider and keep it up throughout the class. This serves as a great role model for all students. Thanks!
Two things I would consider when establishing a pattern of communication are:
1. Availability: Being available and having multiple methods of communication encourages students to use the teacher as a resource when taking the class.
2. Giving a timely response: Replying to students in a timely manner shows that the instructor is engaged in the classroom.
