You need to be clear about what the discussion is and not leave things open to interpretation. do not be ambiguous just be direct and on point. You responses should be consistent from one student to another. All should be treated equally.
Timothy,
Good "C" words. Consistency and clarity also relate to our communication with students as we explain the expectations and learning outcomes. Thanks.
Consistency - students have set expectations. If you are not consistent you risk losing students because they lose faith in your leadership in the classroom.
Clarity - this provides an absolute goal. There's not guessing.
Megan,
Excellent. The first day of class is the best time to set those high expectations and communication rules and regulations. Thanks for your input.
In my classroom, we discuss proper methods of communication on the first day of class; especially for students that have taken multiple online courses, they sometimes forget that sarcasm does not communicate well online.
The two most important aspects concerning communication are 1. Establishing a safe space and 2. Making sure students are comfortable contacting me
To create a safe space, I make sure we are all aware of how we want others to speak to us within the classroom and how quickly we can lose our comfort with online communication. I also make sure students know I am available to talk on the phone or e-mail about questions. I make sure students know when I am available to communicate; keeping weekends to myself is a bit difficult in the online community. Does anyone have advice for this?
Lois,
It is like raising children. Set the parameters, hold then to set standards land move forward in the learning process.
Thanks.
Lois,
I love what you are saying. Communication through rubrics is essential. Many only see it as assessment, but it is communication of high expectations. Thanks.
James,
I agree. We have to be available to be professional! :-)
We want to assist students but model good, professional behavior and communication. Thanks.
Matthew,
You have a good point about enforcement of the code of conduct. Providing timely and thorough student feedback regarding their communication in an online course will help the students develop their communication skill. This can be done during the discussion and at the end of the week. When faculty respond to a student they can provide feedback on the student's communication. At the end of the week the instructor grades the participation using a rubric and can provide constructive feedback to help the student be more successful the next week. The sooner an instructor can help the student by enforcing the code of conduct the faster they will turn around behavior, hopefully. Thank you, Lois
The use of a rubric is important to developing a patter of communication. A clear rubric that explains what is expected and gives guidelines for communication helps students develop a patter of communication that will lead to success and enhance the learning environment. I feel that faculty should follow the same rubric and provide examples by what they post or how they communicate. This will help the students improve through example.
Teachers should convey a sense of openness and being approachable. However the line professional line between student and teacher must be maintained.
Aida,
Right on! When students understand the expectations they are more likely to achieve such expectations. We want students to make sure they know where they are going (what they are working toward) in the course.
Thanks for your input.
Clear expectations for the students is very important. When students know what is expected from them there is less misunderstanding and creates a positive learning environment.
I also think it is important to share with the students what they can expect from the instructor. Again, there is less misunderstanding and it creates consistency which helps students.
Matthew,
Leading by example is the right way to approach any communication or action in your course. Thanks for doing this.
Dr. Thomas,
Frequency is a key factor in communication, providing feedback, posting grades, etc. Being timely in all of these things is what we strive for. Thanks.
The two most important things to consider when establishing a pattern of communication are enforcement of the code of conduct and leading by example. I think having a code of conduct for online communication is an excellent idea, however it will only be effective if it's enforced. Instructors must hold the students (and themselves) to the rules. This is related to leading by example, whereas instructors are models for how to communicate effectively and politely online.
I think the two most important patterns of communication in the online classroom are frequency and consistency. Frequency is important…I will post tid-bits of information to get the discussion started in the class. Also reference articles etc. for students to review.
Consistency is important when responding to students…posting to students comments and questions on a regular bases as well as feedback goes a long way in communicating with students. Posting their grades in a timely matter can do wonders for a class.
Chezree,
Very nice. Reading the email aloud may give others some ideas as well. We have to make sure our communication is understood and not misinterpreted. Thanks.
Erin,
Engaging students is essential and we have had a good discussion. Thanks for adding to the conversation,
Penelope,
Communication is all these things - well, good communication is all these things, :-). Thank you.
