Donald,
Being positive and kind can set the tone for the communication process in the online environment. Thanks!
I think we have to be sure to not give short one sentence answers on feedback or in the discussion boards.
As the problem as I see it is if we want students to communicate more at the end of the day, they will emulate us will they not?
In my opinion, the two most important things to consider when establishing a pattern of communication is the consideration and kindness that the sender expresses to the receiver, and the consideration and kindness that the receiver expresses to the sender. In my opinion, and in the opinion of my father-in-law, who is now dead, courtesy of oils the wheels of civilization. I can think of no other issue that is more important than courtesy.
Roland,
The guidelines and helping students understand those guidelines are essential. And, you are right, we are the role model. Keep up the good work.
Developing an open communication between students and instructor is essential while complying with respectable communication etiquette is critical to proper communication management. Establishing guidelines is also key to proper I2S, S2S and SwI communication because it provides specific and generalized standards for which students must adhere. Being an approachable instructor is also is key to student discussion performance outcome. Many students are introverted but are able to express their opinions and coursework in an online environment while other, more extroverted students may try to dominate the discussion area. The bottom line is: the instructor sets the example and provides different avenues of approachable communication.
Anne,
Tone and timeliness are very important. When we use the proper tone we serve as a great role model for the students. Thanks for input in this forum.
Eric,
Many online instructors have the 24 hour rule. I also include in my syllabus when I will be checking email and when I will not be checking email (and the LMS) system. This gives them a good idea on when you're available for communication. Thanks!
The two most important factors in establishing a pattern of communication would include:
1. Timeliness in response - Our students are waiting for our assistance or guidance when they communicate with us. Our responses need to be timely to allow them have their question answered and to be able to move on to the next step.
2. Tone of response - Our tone needs to be professional and factual with some empathy. The student shouldn't feel that we are feeling bothered by their communication.
Greetings.
1. 24 hour communication. I always respond to student emails and other communication methods within 24 hours.
2. Always be positive...proactive when communicating with students. This is a great way to foster student/instructor relationships.
Best, Eric Freeman
F. Javier,
Yes! The guidelines and protocols go hand-in-hand. We have to help students know when we'll communicate and how to communicate with us and others. Thanks!
Dr. Tena B. Crews,
The two most important things to consider when stablishing a pattern of communication are:
1. Protocols for respectful communication,
2. simple and clear guidelines in the course handbook.
As an instructor, I am always expecting my group of students to surprise me with some creativity/innovation not only as far as language is concerned, but in the way we interact online. Most of them are "digital born".
Kind Regards.
Jeremy,
Ability to enforce what? The pattern?
We do have to enforce reasonable requirements. Can you explain this in more detail?
Ability to enforce and how reasonable the requirements are.
Tony,
You are helping students understand your response time better. Therefore, their evaluation of that et the end of the course, should be better. I don't let my students post late work, but your institution may have rules that all it. Thanks for your input.
Tony,
Consistency and pattern do go hand-in-hand. We also serve as role models to our students when we communicate with them. Your "lead by example" topic is on point. Thanks!
We have several end-of-course evaluation questions that deal with instructor response time for email responses and grades.
In the past some of the survey results said I was late with email responses and/or grades.
Today, I attempt to manage expectations throughout the course. For example, when students send me emails letting me know they posted late work, I will reply with something like this “Tony—thanks for letting me know. I will grade your work within the school’s 72-hour periodâ€. It takes no time to send such an email and it sets their expectation as to when they can expect a grade. Sometimes they will get a grade within a few hours of that email. In those cases I've exceeded their expectations.
During our weekly chat sessions, I’ll drop a line like “We’re required to respond to emails within 48-hours. However, during the week you’ll find that I may respond back within a few hoursâ€. Again I set the expectation. If they get a faster response, I've exceeded their expectations.
Since I've started this practice, I can’t recall the last time I had a negative time-related survey result.
Consistency is related to one of the keywords in this question: “patternâ€. The other point to consider is “lead by exampleâ€. There are times when I am under considerable time pressure and I want to quickly respond to a few emails or discussion posts. It would be much easier to use Text Message-speak and to hit send/submit without proofing my text. It would be easier but it would not be leading by example. I stress to my students that spelling, grammar and tone are important for effective communication. I must also be conscious of those elements when I communicate to the students.
Dr. Ruby,
These are two key factors in a lot of things in the online environment. Their essential in communication and feedback during the evaluation process. Nice job.
Two important things to consider when establishing a pattern of communication are:
a) Consistency - students should be able to expect specific communication, e.g., weekly after each module or unit closes
b) Timeliness - students should receive communication feedback in time to use and apply it
Ruby
Frances and Stephanie,
We have to be consistent in upholding the rules/regulations/policies in the course. Students are like our children and when they break a rule there will be a consequence and then you need to follow through. Thanks!
