I believe that when establishing a pattern of communication the two most important things to consider are communication rules and consistency. Communication is the key to success. From day one students must understand all policies and know that they can ask questions if in doubt. Consistency also provides a solid foundation for students’ success. Office hours, live chats and grading should be done at set times each week to eliminate any confusion.
Tawanda,
The "pattern" is the key. Conistency and frequency make the pattern easier to develop.
Thanks for your input.
When establishing patterns of communication, I believe that the two most important things to consider include the following:
1. Consistency = Once the pattern of communication is established it needs to be maintained and used often. I believe that for communication to be effective in the online environment that it must be consistent and frequent! (quick also)
2. Frequency = communicating on regular, timely, and quick basis is helpful in the online environment and keeps the lines of communication OPEN.
Gauri ,
You and others continue to emphasize how important community cation is...keep it up!
It is important for the online classroom environment to be conducive to learning and conveying ideas. An instructor must set the tone for communication for the class and it is important that (1) The communication is in a language that is formal and respectful of all parties involved (2) There is a discussion of ideas / content / opinions without getting personal.
Karen,
Those are great "C" words - consistency and clarity. They lead to effective communication - another important "C" word in the online environment. Thanks!
Thomas,
You style will definitely impact your communication patters. It's good to let students know your response time and communicate with them in a timely manner. Nice job.
I agree. Consistency and clarity are the most important examples of communication I can offer my students. I teach an online course, and there are always students that want the rules changed or altered for their benefit. If I am clear in the beginning as to what my expectations are, and along the way I remain consistent, there should be no problem. It's just about me doing my part, and allowing the students to do theirs.
When I think of pattern, I think of the "style" I uphold, model and re-inforce in my communication.
I also think of the timeliness of my responses to their questions or work. Especially online, if they can count on my response within a specific reasonable time ... then they can "lean on" that for some security. Even if I cannot answer their question in that time frame, I feel it is important to respond and let them know when I will be able to deal with it.
Students feel vulnerable in this cyberworld and so need that kind of accountability.
Thanks,
Tom
Janis,
Right on! If you say it, do it. If it's an expectation, follow through. Communication is the key.
Students need to know what to expect from the instructor. When an instructor states that e-mails will be answered within 24 hours, it is absolutely essential that the instructor hold him/herself to that time frame.
I also think modeling is critical. That is the one thing I will change on my on-line syllabus. I will model the type of posts that would be A posts, B posts, etc. Rather than an rubric, which can be tedious and cumbersome, I think a sample of the various levels of communication will be most effective.
Carol,
Yes we can control what we send out in emails. And, our emails serve as role models to the students. Keep up the good work.
Carol,
We should be the best role models we can be. We have to communicate well and be engaged in the process of learning.
So true, Elton,
We definitely have a tendency to think of emails as very casual conversations with others. This sometimes leads to messages being taken lightly and when that happens, communication can be misinterpreted. Especially as instructors, we do have to make sure our messages are very clear in order to avoid any misunderstandings. Of course, it helps if it works both ways, but we can definitely control what we send out!
Carol Hannon
There is no doubt that students will follow our lead as instructors in the online classroom. When it comes to establishing a pattern of communication, instructors must lead by example. A healthy communication process requires involvement from students; therefore, begin with specific guidelines for students to follow. It is also important to make sure students feel comfortable expressing their views and freely exchanging ideas. Communication should be used for feedback and making sure students feel valued for their input.
Carol Hannon
Mark,
Clear guidelines are essential and helping students stay on track with those guidelines is helpful. Keep up the good work.
James,
Upholding the rules that are set for the course help establish a sense of continuity for students. When you do, you're serving as a great role model as well. Thasnks for your input.
James,
Clarity and consistency are key words to use when describing an effective pattern of communication. Thanks for your input.
James,
Clear expectations help students understand what they need to do and when. This is an essential part of the communication process. Thanks!
Kenya,
Emphasizing professionalism is essential. A part of that professionalism is responding to peers (the same as in an work environment). Thanks.
