In my paralegal courses, the students have to do a certain amount of research. I inform them that their work must be in their own "language"; they cannot just copy and paste their research. However, some students still attempt to copy and paste, and you have to be consistent when grading this work.
There are 3 things that I try to do.
1) I try to make sure that there is content in the things I communicate.
2)Remember to be respectful and polite.
3)Remember to use good spelling and grammar (sometimes I miss typos and spell things wrong, but I try not to.)
Beth,
Right on. Clear communication is essential. Thanks for your input.
I have found that students need to know that you are available to them and care about them personally. I communicate with each one of my students individually and they truly appreciate it.
Communication should be consistent with clear expectations. Guidelines should be communicated from the start and reinforced throughout the class. Feedback to all students should be consistent, and examples provided of well written, professional communication to further clarify expectations.
David,
Right on. This consistency and frequency help develop that pattern of communication that is so critical. Thanks for your input.
I believe the two most important things are consistency and frequency. It is important for the students to understand the communication of the instructor and appreciate and be receptive to the feedback and direction provided by the instructor. Developing a pattern of communication is beneficial to the students and the instructor and it helps develop consistency in communication and therefore makes it easier to navigate the communication system for both.
Thomas,
Right on! The students need to understand the communication plan and be able to engage in that plan. Getting students involved and making sure they can access/use the tools is essential. Thanks for your input.
I believe that the two most important aspects of establishing a communication pattern in the virtual classroom are defining expectations and guidelines.
The students need to understand which type of communication is going to be used for the different parts of the course. Discussion boards are appropriate for placing information in a way the class can work off each others ideas. E-mail would be appropriate for specific one to one communication. These are two examples of the importance of defining the correct communication method for specific functions. It is also important the students understand what to expect from the instructor and that the instructor stick to those expectations.
Guidelines need to be established as to the appropriate way to use the different means of communication. Netiquette needs to be explained so that misunderstandings do not accidentally occur. The importance of defining what is acceptable language to be used in the classroom as well as the type of feedback that should be provided peer to peer. Timelines give the students a reference for setting up there schedules to ensure they do not miss deadlines or go to long without feedback.
Michael ,
Right on. The reinforcement is as important as setting the rules in the first place. Thanks!
Hello Dr. Crews,
Thank you for your feedback.
I agree with other posts that consistency, tone, timeliness are also important. Once a set of rules regarding communication is posted, its important to reinforce in a respectful way. Also, students can sometimes be anxious, and timely responses can be reassuring.
Sincerely,
Michael Luzius
Kevin,
That's for sure. I even took and online course so I would know how students feel. I learned a lot about what NOT to do as an online instructor when I was an online students. Thanks!
The first thing is trying to put myself in the shoes of the students. If I talk down to them, they will feel threatened by me, and possibly avoid any further communication. But if I can make them feel safe, they are more likely to continue any further communication.
The second thing is the language that I use. If I use big words, confusing cliches, jokes, I may lose them. By using clear, simple, down to earth language, no matter whom I am speaking to, the communication will be successful.
Maritza,
The instructor should always take advantage of the opportunity to serve as an excellent role model. The motto should be "Do as I Do." Thanks!
Michael ,
It is true that examples provide clarity and consistency for students. It does assist in understanding. Thanks for bringing that to our attention.
In my classes it is most important to lead by example. My posts and announcements must be clear, concise, and error-free. I explain my expectations for their use of communication in various places in the course, and along the way. This is a process though, and many students figure it out well into the half way point. Feedback that discusses their communication skills is the second most important step in establishing the pattern in my opinion.
Hello Dr. Crews,
My sense is that clarity and consistency are the two most important things to consider in establising a pattern of communication. Whatever the instructor wants to get across to the students has to be simple and clear enough so that the students understand on their first reading.
Examples help a great deal in that. Stating a rule or guideline might seem overly formal to many students. If they see an example, it helps them to map the rule to their own experience, and, hopefully, helps them to understand.
Best wishes,
Michael Luzius
Francis ,
Your answer doesn't have to be different. It's OK to provide continued support. Thank you.
I'm afraid my answer isn't much different that most everyone else's; setting expectations and being consistent.
Of course, I think they have been popular answers because they are so so important. If you want your students to behave a certain way, then you need to make sure your students understand what is expected of them. The other key point is to be consistent. You need to make sure that you and your students are consistent on your actions.
Samantha,
Consistency and timeliness are terms that are coming up over and over in these forum. Hence, this notes the importance. Thanks for adding to the conversation.
