1. I would need to consider the selection of the proper types of communication that would best support the subject matter and establish the rules of use for each type of communication. I would want to avoid situations where the communication ends up being an open forum for subjects that do not pertain to the course material.
2. I would need to consider how to properly monitor the communications to ensure that questions and issues are promptly and adequately resolved. For instance if I have sent a communication and I don't get a response or indication that it was received then I won't beleive that I am being heard.
I like this tool I am using right now. When I hit the submit button It gives me a chance to change it and I can actually see where it posted.
Plus it is sent out by email to everyone else on the thread.
John,
Glad you learned from the content in this module and will implement things in your online course. Everything you do to establish better communication, helps tremendously.
Thank you.
I like the idea of establishing the Communication Code of Conduct right at the start so that the students understand what's required of everyone in the course.
One other issue that I didn't see addressed is that students and the instructor should be careful when responding to an email that initially seems disrepectful/improper/angry, etc. What comes across in an email may not be what was intended by the sender. The first response back to the sender should be a request for clarification if there seems to be an issue with the tone/wordes in the message.
In other words, step back for a moment and ask if that is what was meant before you get upset at the message/sender.
Marissa,
Right on! Content and process are important and then the technology that assistas in the development and delivery of that content.
The pattern of communication is important and should be developed by each instructor. Although everyone may do it differently, the students need to have communication frequently.
Thanks again for your input.
Harold,
You bring up some good points. The message must be delivered in a timely manner, be in a form that can be easily understood, and take into consideration the content begin delivered. Nice job.
The important things to consider:
1. The content related
2. The process related
Because through the process of managing the overall communication within an online enviroment, the instructor should begin to established a pattern of communication and this pattern of communication should become obvious to the students and should be easy to follow.
When establishing a pattern of communication, the two most important things to consider are the message and the sender. This is so because the message must be in a form that the receiver can understand..
Nicole,
You describe good communication techniques. This is necessary for good online courses. As you set the course standards, make sure they understand the expectations. Thanks for your input.
I would say leading by example and consistency. If I, as the instructor, use clear concise writing, write in-depth responses to my students, steer clear of any "gray area" writing, etc., hopefully my students will see the pattern and follow suit.
Secondly, consistency within those communications is also important. I cannot allow one student to get away with something and call another student out for the same action. I cannot hold one student accountable for posting an educated, in-depth response to an open-ended question, and not hold all of my other students to that same standard.
John,
This is excellent and I like that you are having your student write and perform. Thanks for your input.
i offer more than one assessment mode to gage their abilities (performance assessments, oral exams, or a combination of written and performance based assessment).
John,
So, how do you match the abilities of the students with the challenges? Do you have them complete some type of diagnostic test?
Thanks.
match the abilities of the students whith the challenges of the coures. demanding more communication skills than a student may result in defeated attitude on behalf of the student.
Sally,
You have included the two "Es" - etiquette and expectations. With these communication is essential. Nice job.
Nathan,
You are right. Assuming is not a good idea. And, when students get frustrated, it is not a good thing. Providing good communication in a timely fashion is essential. Thank you.
When establishing a pattern of communication, what do you believe are the two most important things to consider and why?
1. Etiquette: using the right tone. Being respectful and professional
2. Expectations of privacy and boundaries given to students upon entry of online course. Should be part of syllabus on how students are expected to use or not use technology within coursework.
All too often, we assume that the student is already as experiences as ourselves in the online environment. As a result, we expect them to communicate better and they get frustrated since they are not up to par.
To establish a proper pattern of communication, I think that it is important to:
*Clearly layout how communication will take place in the course
*Ensure timely feedback so that the students are certain to keep their lines of communication open.
Jennifer,
Thank you for your organized and good information. I'm glad you enjoyed the module and learned from the information.
Civility and a great place to start. Setting the standards for netiquette helps students learn how to "act" onlnie and when you model those behaviors as well, it's "doubly" good.
Communication is key to a successful online course. Keep up the good work.
Module 2 was excellent for providing additional insight into the process of setting communication standards. I believe there are two areas that are among the most important to consider when developing a pattern of communication:
•Civility/Netiquette: I grouped these two together because they center on respect. In the online environment there is the potential for a word or comment to be misunderstood, or taken in the wrong way. In my course expectations I do cover the need for respectful communications, but based on this module I see an opportunity to develop a more formal Communications Code of Conduct. In this Code I will cover basic netiquette rules, the need for respectful and professional communication (which includes no texting language), and a strong caution when using humor. I will also include the steps I will take to address concerns.
•Timeliness: It is important that timelines and expectations are communicated with regard to Students-to-Instructor, Student-to-Student and Instructor-to-Student interactions. For example, I have a policy of a 24 hour response to all inquiries. I also have a policy of work being graded and posted within 24 hours of deadline. I communicate both of these policies via my course expectations. It is also important to communicate the policy for discussion board communications, group collaboration, etc. When students have a good understanding of what to expect, it can reduce anxiety and help to initiate additional communication.
Thanks for a great module- I really enjoyed it!
Andrew,
You are so right. Sarcasm and humor can be so misunderstood. You have to be careful with such communication. Netiquette rules/regulations can help students understand that as well.
Nice job.
