consistency & expectations within the context of support & encouragement & respect seem to get the best results.
Mary,
A good pattern of communication does include meaningful feedback and good quality communication. Thanks for your input.
Effective feedback and specific communication is critical to a pattern of communication. Keeping students in the loop of their progress is key to keeping them on track and the online course flowing smoothly.
amanda,
You use great words to develop a pattern of communication - consistency, prompt, timely, etc. Nice job.
Twyla ,
Being flexible is important while you are establishing a pattern of communication. Serve as a role model and be a good communicator. Thanks for your input.
I believe that consistency and promptness are the most important aspects of communication. Consistency allows us to know and expect certain items from others and how to relay that information to them. Promptness is going to show that you value the questions and/or feedback and wish to further communicate on the topic in a timely manner.
When establishing a pattern of communication, I think it important to find a method that is useful and meaningful to all involved and being consistent with your communication as the leader. In this age of technology, texting works wonders for some of my students. They respond in a much quicker timeframe. For some, e-mail works better with their schedules. As the instructor, I allow myself to be flexible in whichever method works best for my students, both collectively and individually. I find that when I am consistent in my response time, my students are too. It seems to work.
Donald,
I can see how important timely responses would be for math students. It's the same for many other subjects when students have to build upon knowledge to move to a higher level of learning. Specific questions can help lead them to the correct answer and how to solve the problem. Thanks!
I teach math and Algebra and the two things that students want are;
1. A timely response, asap.
2. A direct response, with enough detail, but not too much. Sometimes with a leading question back to the student.
This is especially true of instant messaging. Students want the correct next step asap. When they know they can get it in a timely manner, then they tend to ask the specific question they have, knowing they can ask again if they need to, later. I have found that most students don't abuse this, they know that their questions have to be specific [ie, they are actually trying to solve the problem] or I will ask them to be more specific.
If they don't get a response until the next day, then they tend to either ask more general questions like "How do I do this problem?" or they ask multiple questions at one time. Neither of these student inputs are very effective, nor are they easily answered. When I get one of these, I ask the student to pick one thing that they are working on now, and ask a specific question.
It works for math and Algebra.
Kurt,
When you discuss "guidelines," can you be more specific. What guidelines would you provide for text vs. voice video? Thanks!
Christopher,
I love the "C" words. Consistency, clarity, communication, etc. Thanks for your input.
I think the two most important considerations are the type of communication and then the guidelines associated with that communication. Guidelines will be slightly different for text versus voice versus video, just as an example.
Kurt
I believe the two most important things to consider in establishing a pattern of communication is the following:
1.) Consistency. I feel that I need to be consistent across all of my students. I have to have the same set of standards for everyone.
2.) Model the appropriate type of communication myself. I cannot be sloppy or incomplete in my communication and hold my students to a different standard.
David,
Consistency and ensuring the students understand the expectations are essential. To make sure the students have drawn an appropriate conclusion, an effective rubric will be helpful. Thanks for your posting and input.
Anthony and Nicole,
Thanks for continuing the conversation about consistency as is relates to communication. Keep up the good work.
Anthony,
Yes, strong communication is essential no matter who is involved. Consistence and clarity is important as well. Thanks for your input.
First - would be the consistency of identified issues in the assignment - that is each student should understand, from the assignment statement, the same message.
Second - the assignment posting or submission for each student should show that the student has drawn from that understanding the appropriate conclusion
Nicole
I have to agree with you that consistency is extremely vital in the online environment. If students see that the instructor is limited in how the communicate it breeds a level of complacency and disinterest. With interest, you have to remain enthusiastic about the course material. This is why I love Sociology so much. It allows me to consistently talk about current events, pop culture, history, etc. and link it to the broad theoretical topics we discuss in class.
Anthony
I think being consistent and creating a welcoming environment that invites consistent dialogue and exchanges. As an sociology instructor, broad theoretical topics can be related to real world everyday concerns/issues. I try to keep consistent with engaging topics that fosters healthy dialogue and intellectual debates. I ensure students that everyone's opinions are valid and add merit to the discussion. No one answer outweighs another. In creating this environment I believe it warrants strong I2S, S2S, S2I communication patterns.
Anthony
Jay,
The factors I consider when thinking about office hours are when would they be most beneficial for students. For example, I have all of my assignments due Wednesday at 5:00 p.m. and I have office hours that day so I am available if they have difficulties. I also have office hours the next day so I can grade assignments in a timely manner. We all have to do what works for us and our students.
