When establishing a pattern of communication, I believe that an instructor needs to be consistent in his or her approach to communicating vital information as well as consistent with their follow-up. I feel that students should be able to develop expectations with their online learning that they can predict and rely on.
Communication patterns, especially in the classroom, need to have integrity and timeliness. The timeliness is critical in the online environment as students are waiting - and it is not always possible to ask the instructor "right this minute" and from experience as an online student, waiting for the answer/response always seems like it takes longer than it does. This contributes to the anxiety of the student especially when they are trying to master an unfamiliar concept.
Susan Miedzianowski
I think it is important to look at the level of education and experience when communicating with students. Also, I think it is important to be consistent. If you set a policy it should remain the same across the board for each student. If one student is graded down for something it should be the same for all students.
When establishing patterns would be-
1) Lead by example. I try and post to the classroom just about every day to let students know that I am there. I call these "bread crumbs" whereby I would be the first to post so as to have those students who want to post to others can do so with my postings. When students see me active, the better ones tend to follow, and then I have the "snow ball" affect where a number of others join in.
2) The other pattern I've found most important is to help students focus on the material and provide examples in the discussion board. Some of the courses I facilitate are quantitative courses. To help students out with the material, I find and post to the discussion board short videos or web-links for them to follow and summarize in the titles what they can expect to find when they review these.
Jeffrey,
Netiquette is an important aspect of establishing a pattern off communication. Serving as a good role model goes a long way as well. Thanks for your input. Nice job.
Setting the appropriate tone in communication with students is indeed imperative. When messages from students are emotionally charged and put me on the defensive, I will often "walk away" from the message in order to think about it rationally before I craft my response. My communication to the student will not be effective and efficient if I perpetuate discord. If I consider the primary purpose and intent of the message from the student and the response they seek, I can then respond appropriately and - hopefully - address the student concerns.
Julie,
I like you use of the terms modeling and spoons ibility. We, as instructors, must be responsible for serving as good role models to enhance the learning process.
Dr. Eileen ,
Frequency is important. It helps with engagement, helps solve issues immediately when they arise, and help students get in the habit of participating.
Dr. Tena B. Crews
John,
Right on. Setting the expectations and making sure students understand the expectations is essential. Your consistent and timely feedback is equally important. Thanks for your feedback.
Dawn,
Instructors definitely want to make sure students understand the expectations and how to achieve set learning outcomes. Then, consistent feedback is essential. Thanks for your input.
Stephanie,
Right on. I typically use a 24 hour turnaround time unless I am at a conference or some other extenuating circumstances. It is good to have a plan like that. Nice job.
John and David,
Active engagement on both the part of the students and instructor is essential. Thanks.
One of the most important things to consider when establishing a pattern of communication to define for the students what are the acceptable communications methods for the various activities in the course. For example, clearly spelling out for the students the method for posting questions. A FAQ section is very important to have which may answer many of the questions in the class. It is important that we as instructors define early in the class the way we will accept student input as well as providing to the students feedback, assignments, and communications.
Another consideration in establishing a pattern of communication is for us to let the students know exactly what is expected of them. This will help reduce follow-up emails and what I have sometimes found to be unrealistic expectations of the students.
In an online class I think the most important thing to consider is frequency. In a discussion board, an instructor should be seen on the discussion board every day with at least one post to ensure students that the instructor has seen their participation. It is also necessary so that the instructor can quickly spot and address inappropriate statements made on this public forum.
Secondly, I think a pattern is important. Students should know when to expect to hear from the instructor and when the best time is to contact the instructor. Students who are unfamiliar with online courses especially appreciate consistent and frequent interaction with the instructor to reassure them that they are correctly understanding the work.
Hello Everyone, in order to establish a pattern of communication it is vital that instructors (1.) model proper communication techniques and (2.) teach students how to engage in proper communication techniques.
An instructor is a role model in an online class. Therefore, it is important that the instructor always be appropriate, positive and encouraging. This way students will feel that they are in a safe environment where their thoughts and ideas are appreciated. Students will also be more likely to express their ideas in such an atmosphere, as well as also practice netiquette.
It is also important that an instructor explain the proper rules of netiquette. This can done by using concepts of inclusive speech, maintaining a respectful tone, keeping an open mind,remembering to disagree without being offensive, and aiming to reach a new level of understanding as a learning community.
Instructors are at the forefront of a classroom. It is their responsibility to both uphold and enforce proper means of communication in a classroom.
Hello David. You make a good point about frequency of communication. If the instructor is not actively visible in the online environment, students often become disillusioned.
Hello Sandra. I like your observation that instructors must consider assignments from the perspective of the student. Instructors sometimes forget that students may have very limited knowledge of the subject matter.
Hello. I believe that the two most important things to consider are:
1. Have I made my expectations regarding all class communication sufficientlty clear?
2. Am I being consistent in enforcing the communication policy that I have implemented in the class?
I feel that these two items are essential if the policy is to have credibility.
The two most important things to consider in establishing a pattern of communication are:
1.) "Setting the bar"
By providing examples and establishing what the expectations for communcation are in the classroom, students have a standard set for them. I always try to stress the importants of well-thoughout and proof-read responses. I also convey that poor quality or lack of effort will not be acceptable.
2.) Consistency
I feel it's important to communicate to students in the way and in the frequency I would like them to communicate to me and each other. By remaining active in discussion boards, I hope to encourage students to do the same. Often, I will ask them follow up questions to a post to encourage the discussion to continue and develop.
Clear instructions and dependable turn around times. Clear instructions let the students know what to expect and how to communicate. Dependable turn around times are important - make sure you meet what you said you would do, such as 48 hours or less for emails. Meeting those timeframes provides reliability. Not meeting those timeframs causes you to lose credibility.
