Constructive criticism and Ongoing communication are the two most important things I consider when establishing a pattern of communication.
Providing constructive criticism is a way of informing the student of things they can do to make their work or what they are doing better. It is positive feedback and should be stated as not to be offensive but informative to the
student(s).
Constant communication between I2S, S2S, and S2I is vital to the success of an online class. It is the heartbeat of what keeps the class active. If communication is lost, then someone will become less interested in the content and feel that the information is not important.
Ted,
Good list. You have hit the key points of building a pattern of communication. Thanks for sharing.
Dawn,
Professional communication will get you a long way at work and in life. Keep stressing the importance of such communication. Thanks!
Here is my list:
1. Tone of communication should reflect a positive attitude.
2. Detail of communication so that student are clear on the content of the communication.
Ted Framan
Deana,
Thanks for sharing your input. You bring up some very good points. We must be good communicators, have a plan and make sure we are good role models when it comes to communication and other things for our students. Thanks again.
Being polite and professional is important. Good communication written or verbal needs to be diplomatic in nature. No one will win a pitch or close a sale if there are negative sounding communication strategies. Refraining from ALL CAPS and staying positive is a good idea.
When establishing a pattern of communication, the two most important items to consider include leading by example through proper writing techiniques(tone, following grammar and mechanic rules) and responding in a timely fashion. Students should 'see' how to respond through our own responses. Some students are not aware that most patterns of communication in education are through formal means rather than informal means. Students often let their guards down on the discussion board and/or sending an email message to an instructor. Establishing a solid pattern of expectations is required to avoid miscommunication and inappropriate means of communication. Further, by responding in a timely fashion, students begin to understand the communication process and the end to follow suit. If asked a question, a student does not want to wait days for a reply; however, the same holds true of instructions. When students understand that communication should be responded to (by both parties) within 24 hours, a level of respect begins to develop among communicators.
Juliet,
True. These both involve the students, the course expectations and communication. All essential elements. Thanks!
Alana,
Yes - I like the term "target market" when discussing an audience analysis. We have to know who we are addressing to appropriately communicate with them. Thanks for your input.
The two most important things to consider are
1. The needs of the student to ensure their success
2. The feasibility of the communication methods available in order to choose methods that best benefit the learning environment.
Hi Dr. Crews
The two most important things to consider with establishing a pattern of communication are the 'target market'. Who are you speaking with and what is the proper way to speak with this audience. Also, "clarity" is key for communication with everyone in teaching online using the Internet.
Thanks
Alana
Kristin,
I like your word use of transparency. It should be clear to students what is expected of them and how to reach those expectations.
Thanks for your input.
When establishing a pattern of communication, there are a number of things to consider. Two of the most important aspects to consider are efficiency and transparency.
Efficiency is critical for both instructors and students. Communication patterns shouldn't be arduous. Email is convenient, easy to manage, and timely. Instructors also often say the same type of thing to many different students, especially when it comes to feedback. Having a way of cutting and pasting key comments or having an FAQ forum provides efficiency when it comes to time management.
Transparency means that it is clear to students how information will be communicated and in what ways. Exam feedback can be found in the comment sections on exams. Midterm grades or final grades will be communicated via email, phone, or private chat. Transparency also means that it's clear to students what communication methods are preferred or expected, when communication will occur, etc. There needs to be clarity so that a student doesn't email on a Saturday afternoon and expect a response in 30 minutes.
Much of this seems common sense, but providing clear information and expectations early on can help prevent miscommunication.
Sodang,
Clear, concise and timely. You are right on target with your posting in this forum. Thanks for your input.
I would say that for communication to be effective, it has to be concise and clear. And it would have to be in a timely fashion.
Daron,
Right on. Students do need to know when you will be available and when they can expect you to provide feedback. This and other things you discussed do help develop that relationship. Thanks!
Two important things to consider when establishing the communication is time and method. When students are needing help with classwork and do not know when the live hours are may wait 24 hours until their question is answered. Having hours of availability that are good for students as well as instructor is important. Second being the method of contact, considering the fact of online class they will be able to email, perhaps starting with chat and email will be easy at first. After relationships move forward and whether or not the student is understanding a phone contact may be needed.
David,
Sounds like you are setting standards in your class for communication. Good job.
Thanks.
Rick,
Our tone can very well be misinterpreted. It's important to think about that as we communicate online. Thanks for brining that up.
Rick,
Right on. We are the best (or worst) role models for our students. It's hard to get people to "do what I say and not what I do." Keep it up!
