Dee,
Tone is very important and many times can be misunderstood in the online environment. As you model such communication keep that in mind.
Dr. Tena B. Crews
Hello everyone,
When establishing a pattern of communication for a course, I feel my paramount concerns should be establishing clear guidelines for all course-related communications and demonstrating for students via my own class-related communications how our guidelines should be put into effect. I would also add that—especially early in a term—it is imperative that the instructor remind students who are failing to follow course communication guidelines what the policies are and how they apply to all course participants.
Mark A. Coppelli
I really work hard on a set of rule I have created for my own management approach to teaching online--I answer all emails within 24 hours; I am visible in every course, every day; I grade the students' work at least two times a week and email them when I have finished; and I try to help my students understand and complete their assignments with emails and even phone calls--Dr Jim Young
Nicole,
I also agree that consistency is important. Not only should the instructor treat every student the same, but they also need consistent in their responses to the student. For example, if they say they are going echeck email on a daily basis, they need to check email every day.
Jim
When establishing a pattern of communication, the two most important things to consider are setting expectations and consistency. Students need to know what the instructor is expecting from them and what they can expect from the instructor. This should be a part of the communication plan. The key to solidifying this is consistency. If an instructor says that they will check email at a certain time of day, they need to follow through. This is particularly important when giving feedback. Students learn through example. If the instructor is polite and consistent, the student will more likely be polite and consistent.
Jim
When establishing a pattern of communication my focus is on the professionalism of my communication. Therefore the two patters I consider are:
Professional Image: when working in an online environment the majority of our communication is done through emails and discussion postings. As such, I encourage students to convey a professional tone in all forms of communication (ie… no texting language).
I also encourage students to response to discussion postings before deadlines as it is not accepted in the online environment.
I think the two most important things to consider when establishing a pattern of communication are:
1) To ensure that the "tone" of the email cannot be misinterpreted. Often, students infer a "tone" in communications that was not intended; this misunderstanding hampers communication.
2) To model appropriate communication. All of our communication to the students needs to set an example of how appropriate, professional communication needs to look.
Nancy,
Role model and facilitator of the learning process. You are right on track with you comments.
Dr. Tena B. Crews
Nancy,
Frequency and consistency will develop into a great pattern of communication. And students will greatly appreciate the pattern and come to rely on it. Nice job.
Dr. Tena B. Crews
Lewis,
Right in Lewis. Couldn't have said it better myself! Thanks.
Dr. Tena B. Crews
William,
Mutual respect can start with being a good role model. When students see a professional treating them with respect, that may return the favor. Thanks.
Dr. Tena B. Crews
Linda,
Consistency is essential. We have talked about consistency in many components in the online environment. Thanks for your input.
Dr. Tena B. Crews
Susan,
Love the use if the word integrity and communication. This especially comes into play when we continue to serve as role models as we communicate with our students. Thanks.
Dr. Tena B. Crews
Guillermo,
Consistent communication is answer to many questions/situations. It allows the student a bit of comfort knowing you are there and communicating. Keep it up.
Dr. Tena B. Crews
Roberto,
A good role model has many breadcrumbs! ;-)
Thank you.
Dr. Tena B. Crews
Trista,
Tone is at time hard to establish and can be misunderstood. Clear, concise communication will help.
Thanks.
Dr. Tena B. Crews
Stacy. So true. As an instructor, my job is not only to present content and answer questions, my job is to be a role model for more than just a subject matter expert. I am a professional as well. I provide a role model for communication in every way possible: tone, grammar, spelling, format, timeliness, diplomacy and delivery.
Students learn from me in many ways!
Establishing a pattern of communication two of the most important issues to consider are frequency and consistency. I inform students of my response time in the "Course Information and Expectations" document that I provide at the onset of every course. I follow my own rules and in so doing establish a consistent feedback pattern. If for any reason I am not able to respond accordingly, then I communicate this to my students in both an announcement and an email to the class.
By the middle of the second week of classes, students understand that I am consistent with the guidelines that I set forth. My communication is frequent and I provide consistent feedback. By providing a model example for my students I help to set the standard for a pattern of communication in the classroom.
Nicole - I agree definitely consistency is the key. Consistency with communication, grading and application of rules and policies.
Sincerely,
Lewis Lynn
Besides clarity and consistency, I think demonstrating mutual respect and caring is crucial. The learning journey online needs to e reinforcing and engaging. A true learning community needs to be fostered and cultivated. Also I always post a PPT on nettiquette at the start of each class. I am amazed at how many students do not know how to construct a proper, civil message and the level of specificity eeded in online communication.
