Dr. Crews:
When establishing a pattern of communication, the two most important things to consider are:
1. Rubrics
2. Consistency
“Rubrics…help to establish a pattern.†They also establish a guideline for acceptable communication behaviors as well including acceptable/non-acceptable responses and encouraging participation. They provide the student with a clear set of expectations for acceptable performance. From this the student can internalize appropriateness, respect, and understanding.
Consistency in patterns of communication helps to demonstrate standards for “civility†and online etiquette. It also can help in establishing mutual respect in the virtual classroom environment which in turn works towards building a community of learners.
Sandra S.
Eric ,
A pattern takes time, but you're right - when the students understand how they will be assessed and rubrics have appropriate criteria, they are more likely to succeed. Thanks!
The two things that I have run into the most with regard to patterns of online communication with students are:
1) Clear explanation of evaluation criteria and associated point values.
2) Enforcement of the stated codes of conduct.
We use rubrics to evaluate student online participation in discussion forums. Like the example in this course, it lists conditions of response and corresponding point values.
Despite this, we often have students wonder why their scores may vary from week to week, despite having done things "the same way I always do."
It's very handy to have the rubric around as an aide to explain what the student did, or did not do, in black and white!
-Eric-
ron ,
A pattern happens over time, so it does take time to communicate effectively. Each course and all students are different so we try different things some times each semester. Keep it up!
Aaron,
The better we know our audience, the better we can get with communicating with them. Thanks for adding to the conversation.
Take care.
two thing that I believe that are important in regards to establishing a pattern of communication is the turn around time which it takes for instructors to reply. If instructors reply in an efficient time. Student will take the notion that the instructor is efficient with responding to questions and concerns, which can be an example for student in regards to posting in dissuasions. The other important consideration is how students respond to questions in discussion forums. Establishing a pattern of responding to question without a yes or no, allows students to respond fully and completely to forum questions and other students.
The two most important things when establishing a pattern of communication are:
1. Differences in generations - so that the communication is delivered and understood by all different types of students and where they are "coming from".
2. The objective of the communication itself - so that the outcome of the communication is understood by all students in the course. Basically to all to reach the common goal.
Lori,
You are right. Just as all of our students are different, our communication with them may need to be different as well. Keep it up!
Communicating with online students is more difficult than with face to face students. You may have to try to contact them using different avenues. Email does not work with all students, so need the person to person phone call to have the communication. Consistency or persistence is always key when communicating with students, some do not always reply so you do not know if they received the communication. Most times the students to do not read the communication thoroughly and you will need to follow up and reiterate it.
Lori Zander
David,
Absolutely. Your communication pattern should not be a secret you keep from your students. Be up front and tell them when and where you will be for easy communication. Thanks!
1. The timing and frequency of your communication. The students should know when to expect the instructor to respond to communications and returning grades.
2. The method of communication should also be established. Many classes use more then one way to communicate electronically. Communication guidelines should define the method of communions.
Monica,
Netiquette is an important concept for students to grasp and anything we can do to help them is needed. Consistency in your feedback to students and your modeling professionalism is great. Thanks for your input.
Monica,
You are right. Through consistency and frequency in your communication, you will begin to develop a pattern. Keep it up! Thanks!
I agree that consistency is an important factor that allows the students to understand the netiquette when responding in discussion posts etc. The students must be accountable for their actions yet it’s the instructor’s responsibility to inform the students of the expectations.
The two most things to consider are frequency and consistency such as email. This pattern helps develop consistency in communication and establish an easy-to-navigate and communication between the instructor and students. Developing a pattern of communication benefits all individuals involved in the course. It creates uniformity and simplicity allowing the instructor to provide the students with feedback.
Terry,
Yes, the platform may differ, but the components of an effective pattern of communication remain consistent. Thanks for your input!
Josh,
You are right. When we serve as a great role model we can lead the students to do the same thing. Using rubrics shows that you are helping them understand the expectations and grade fairly as well. Thanks!
A pattern of communication will vary according to the platform one is using. In a typical online course, one should consider:
1. The ease of use
2. The potential to promote engagement
I think it is extremely important to set the example for the class. If we want them to be courteous, upbeat and to use proper grammar, etc. then that what we should do as well.
I think it is really important as well to make the expectations very clear to students in the syllabus or assignment directions about the proper communication. Providing a rubric that explains those points when grading reiterates how seriously we will take the matter.
LaBoore,
I even tell my students that they communicate differently with their friends than they do with their parents or me. It's the save when we talk to them. We want to clearly communicate whether about assignments or providing feedback after the fact. Thanks for your input.
