Content and timeliness:
content- that the student and instructor are communicating what they intend to and adding tothe learning environment,
timing- if the communication is not timely the opportunity to learn may be lost due to deadlines (ie if they post onthe last day and don't get to fully participate in the forum discussion)
Diane,
To me, leadership and professionalism go hand in hand and we should serve as role models for both. Our students are watching how we react, how we lead, how we communicate, etc. We have to be the best we can be to set that good example. Thanks for your input.
As an instructor, leadership is one of the most important assets. Leadership empowers. Second most important thing to consider is professionalism. If we act professional and show leadership students will understand these two qualities empower nurses. When interacting with students both in and out of the classroom, We need to set an example.
Faryl,
Modeling good, professional communication can go a long way in helping students understand why text language is not appropriate for the professional environment. Thanks!
Faryl,
Knowing your audience in any situation is important, but when your audience is your students - even more important. We, as online instructors, need to make sure students understand their responsibilities and what is expected of them. Nice job.
I do this with my classes as well. So often students will use text language in their postings. I work to eliminate its usage and provide a professional and academic atmosphere.
I believe that the two most important things to consider are your audience and the course requirements. You want to make sure that you address your audience specifically. Often we assume that everyone understands the general netiquette. In reality many people are new to this environment and do not understand the constraints. You also want to ensure that what you are asking your students to accomplish is int he realm of the course requirements.
When establishing a pattern of communication, I believe the two most important things to consider are:
1. That the rules and expectations of communication between students and instructor are clearly delineated, make sense and are easy to enforce;
2. And that there is consistency in enforcing those rules.
The reason for this is because it cuts down on the possibility of the rules not being followed.
Dalene and Brian,
Thanks for continuing the conversation about providing examples for students when it comes to proper, professional communication. It's important to explain to students how communication can be misinterpreted. Nice job.
Dalene,
It helps tremendously to provide such examples. I put examples of discussion board communication, professional communication and others in my syllabus. Also, as the instructor serves as a role model in their communication, the students understand even better how to communication. Thanks for your input.
Brian -
Tone is something that is sometimes difficult to teach to our students online. Some are "tone deaf" in their online speaking, and it takes a little more time to help them to understand how their messages are "heard."
I find that providing them clear examples, i.e., using their own posts to specifically point out how their words are being perceived, is very effective. I usually get a response from students like "Oh! I did not know I sounded like that, and I did not intend to come across that way." Their subsequent posts are much, much better, because they now have an awareness of their "tone" and work hard to ensure professionalism and netiquette techniques.
Two important things in establishing a pattern of communication in an online course are guidelines and example.
As an instructor, we should provide guidelines for our students in communicating within an online environment, and be an example with how we communicate to students. I find that many of my students are aware of their communication styles, and are careful when they are typing out messages and postings.
For those students who have challenges in this area, i.e., using text-speak, improper grammar, angry or sarcastic phrases - they must be provided examples of the proper way to express themselves online. Once this is pointed out to the student, my experience is that their communication style tremendously improves.
Victoria,
Rubrics are you "friend." ;-) They help both the instructor and the students. They are excellent tools to ensure that everyone understands the expectations and there is consistent grading. Thanks for your input.
I think an important thing is to establish expectations in the form of a rubric/guideline so students are prepared to communicate effectively.
I think another important thing to adhere to is your commitment to these same guidelines/rubric as the instructor. It is imperative that the instructor leads by example.
Cathleen,
Your are right. You set the tone with your actions/words. You serve as a role model in all capacities. How you develop and organize the syllabus and course say something about you. If you expect your students to be organized and check their email or LMS daily, you have to do the same. If you expect your students to respect others, you must to the same. It's OK to jump in (particularyly after several students have answered questions on a discussion board) and ask another question to enhance the critical thinking. Thanks for your input.
Dr. Crews, I think it is paramount to be a good role model for our students. We should set the tone of the discussion. It is important for us to model and use good grammar, punctuation, etc. We also should model relevant content, and post questions that help our students to think critically.
Cindy,
Communication is so important in the online learning environment. Being consistent, courteous, timely, and constructive in your feedback/communiation si essential. However, the students should follow these rules as well. I tell my students often - proactive communication can alleviate many problems. Thanks for your input.
Richard,
Right on! Communication is so very essential in the online learning environment. Being clear, consistent and timely in your communication is important. However, the students should also follow these guidelines. Netiquette and respectful communication is also important and you can be the role model for such communciation. I also provide examples of appropriate and inappropriate communication (especially on discusssion board) in my syllabus. That seems to help students are well. Thanks!
Timeliness and Courtesy.
Communication must be timely or it is irrelevant.
Courtesy, especially in the online environment is essential. Taking out the nonverbal cues, facial expression, body language, etc., one cannot tell the tone with which something is being said. Being courtious can halp avoid many problem issues.
Cindy,
Yes - being timely and polite are essential. You want to make sure students feel respected and are respecting others as well in their communication. Communication is so very important that you have to take all aspects into consideration. Thanks!
