When establishing patterns of communication, one of the important things to consider is getting everyone involved. In any team, everyone must be heard from whether they agree or disagree. I remember in an Associate-level course or two I previously taught, students were reluctant to share thoughts and ideas because of a perceived (or real) lack in their communication ability. They were encouraged as they received comments on mandatory DB postings in the assignment areas and in two areas created as optional forums – the Lounge (or Lobby) and the Coffee Shoppe. I let them know of spelling and grammar errors (or inappropriateness) in a private venue. That is usually via e-mail or a note in the grade book to proofread and a referral to a lab. (There are various labs on line at my university and many web sites for “proofreading†and instruction which do not violate the honor code.)
Another consideration is expectations. Students are expected to post a substantive post on the Discussion Board (early in the week) and are also expected to respond to at least two posts or to several posts. Even at that level of participation (and ground rules are posted for what are considered appropriate posts in substance) students are encouraged to participate further and will as students make pointed comments on their posts. The climate or tone should be one of sharing ideas and thoughts so that knowledge and interest are gained. While APA or other styles are not enforced in DB posts, the formality of such a style is expected as these are “scholarly exchanges.†This attitude toward contributions as reinforced in this forum usually persists in group exchanges and in e-mails. Students who are lax in communications learn in what they cannot get away with how to appropriately and effectively communicate in an academic (and in a professional) environment.
Brenda,
Agreed. You do need to think about the communication in the online environment and how to avoid misinterpretations. I agree also about emphasizing professional communication in the online environment. I give students examples of appropriate and inappropriate communication. That has been helpful.
Thanks for your input.
First, I would consider the fact that the online communication is without facial expressions. Because the noncommunication of facial expressions is lacking, the other person is left to their own interpretation.
Secondly, use of slang terms and improper language is absolutely eliminated in the online format or environment. Online classes should embrace professionalism and use of appropriate terms and language should be valued.
Barbara,
Positive, consistent, meaningful feedback to help students improve is essential. Thanks for your input.
Having goo listening skills and to give postive feedback along with words of encouragement.
Karen,
Excellent points that you bring up. Helpin students understand professionalism in their communication is important. Thanks for your input.
I believe the two most important items to consider in communication is, grammar and spelling. I view an e-mail communication as important a business letter. It should contain complete sentences and absolutely no misspelled words.
If I receive a communication that has grammar and spelling errors, I try to relate to the student the importance of properly written communications. As an instructor this truly drives me up a wall when they don’t take the time to at least spell/grammar check their e-mail.
Kevin,
When I first started teaching online I became a 24/7 professor, but. Ow I am not and I think this is a result of when I make assignments due, using a FAQ discussion board everyone participates in and gets credit for, the volume of my communications and organization. We do. It all. We do not all need to be 24/7 professors. There are many time management strategies for online instruction. We need to manage priorities as well as time. Thanks for your input.
I would say 24/7 availability is key -- it's not clear that teachers in our day can stipulate they are not available during the weekends or early in the morning/late at night. This view is seen by our students today as "old school" similar to posting office hours and expecting students to show up.
Next students need to be encouraged to use the school portal and I do so primarily via extra credit. Oddly enough while our students spend a lot of time online with social media I've found they still do not appreciate the concept of a business-based intranet as much as they should/could.
Krista,
Clear communication is essential. Without communication an online course can go nowhere fast. Helping students understand the process of good communication is essentions. Nice job.
I believe, for my classes, the two most important things to consider for establishing a pattern of communication are: First create a clear policy and second, provide examples of a good and bad use of each communication standard. For example, in my online classes I have a policy for student posts to the discussion board that includes length of post, proper use of spelling, grammar and punctuation. I include with the policy an example of a well-written post and a post that includes common student writing errors, such as “texting language†(i, u), no capital letters to start a sentence and contractions. I find the inclusion of both examples help clarify what to include and what not to include in student communications.
George ,
Thanks for your thoughts and continuing the conversation. I like the old saying as well and keeping your communication frequent and meaningful as well is helpful. Thanks!
When communicating with my students and them with me, I have always found that being direct and to the point is the most appropriate method of communication. When they communicate with me it is usually short and concise, mainly because I don’t think writing comes naturally to most people. The old saying “keep it short and sweet “ is the best answer for me.
Cynthia,
Thanks for your input. Communication, communication, communication. . .I can't say it often enough. Extrememely important. When students understand the course expectations/standards and see how they are linked to the learning outcomes, it makes more sense to them and they will work to achieve them. Nice job.
Linda,
Right on! Being a role model within and outside the classroom (whether F2F or online) is important. I also give examples of what is expected in their writing and many do, as you do, deduct points. I emphasize professionalism in the course and writing is one form of professionalism. Thanks for your input.
The two most important things to consider are:
1. The student you are communicating with.- I've found that some students are better at expressing their thoughts via chat and email than others. You should try to assess what that students level of communication is and try and work with them.
2. You should set a standard and stick to that standard.
The instrctor must set an good example of written communication, using good sentence structure, grammar and correct English.
It should be metioned that responses to assignments are a more formal type of communication than texting to a friend. If a student does not use capitalization or abbreviations, I tell the student what they have done wrong for the first offense, and deduct points from the assignment if texting continues to happen. This should be done consistently for all students.
Robert,
The timeliness of communication, feedback, and providing content is essential. Thanks for your input.
Jennifer,
right on. Serviing as a role model for your students is very important. Giving positive and constructive feedback is essential. Frequency is also important. Thanks for your input.
I try to respond to all emails, forums, etc in a very professional way to establish my expectations of them. When I respond to forums, I use complete sentences, complete thoughts and proper English. I also like to validate their posting and pull from it the good points while also using some contructive criticism so they can model my postings.
Lastly, I respond daily to keep them interested and not waiting.
