How to make online students comfortable?
What do you do to make online students comfortable in the classroom?
I have offered to serve virtual coffee but more seems to be needed ;)
Engaging the student in discussions is a great way to make the online atmosphere more "real." When the student is able to relate the topic to real life if it often more interesting for them.
I recently started posting a picture of myself in my classroom announcements. I also give a short bio on the first day of class. If the student can read a little bit about their instructor and see a picture, I believe it helps them to connect. I always tell them I'd like to see them as well...and I'll see them at graduation.
This is great, Linda. I hope others that take this course will follow suit.
One thing I do is post a bio of myself online for the class to read to get to know who I am and what I have done with my life. Each student is encouraged to write a short bio as well and I read each one and respond picking out something important to the student and asking more questions or making a positive comment about it. They seem to feel more connected to me because I took the time to read what they wrote and respond. I try to remember things they have told me and follow up with them. If they have, for example, a sick child and they have emailed that an assignment may be late I always respond and encourage them to get the assignment in on time if possible but I also ask how the child is. I try to let them know I care about them.
I think a key aspect to increasing the comfort level of students in the online classroom is consistent presence by the instructor. The more the students see the instructor present and active, the more the students will feel comfortable, secure and engaged.
Great discussion!
Lori
In an online environment, the ability to create rapport through words is arguably more challenging than traditional face to face classes. It becomes extremely important, in my opinion, that online faculty responde thoughtfully and deliberately to each student. Collective encouragement may lose its emphasis in an online class because the physical and emotional energy may be lost in the technology.
I have participated in a myriad of online classes and have had instructors that I felt a conenction with and others that I felt were not. This is true of traditional classes, however, I think that the absence of physical contact exaserbate the challenge.
I make them comfortable by telling them I am a facilitator, not the "end all, be all" with my expertise. I let them know up front, they all have contributions to the class and what they say is important. Of course, being clear on online discussion guidelines is important too. I also let them know that I have been in their shoes and understand reservations they must have. I tell them when I will not be online certain "short periods" of time for personal reasons, and encourage them to take time for their families and personal lives too during the course. Letting them see you as a human being, but as their guide and facilitator, usually works very well in making the students comfortable.
I will have to try that.
Thanks
I do not have online students. I do know that when i was learning online and a i had a question or concern, i was eager to get a response because of the deadline created around the sillabus.
Robert,
Thanks for this very good post. My mentor once told me that "if students are not laughing, they are not learning." Dumb criminals is perfect tool to use.
Humor is a way to bring positive emotions into a learning situation. Pacific Institute research shows that learning is most effective when attached to a strong emotion.
When teaching criminal justiice classes I always included "Dumb Criminals" from a website that offers the most ridiculous stories about dumb crooks. With some of the most unbelieveable stories the humor helps class start and students seem to love to talk about crime and stupidity.
Connie,
Thanks for this post. Sharing a bit of ourselves is always a good way to build relationships. Students want to know that we know where they are coming from. Showing that you are working to balance life's challenges just like they are is a good way to do so.
I try to tell them stories about me. Not only do a I tell them about my 17 year-old son, but some experiences in our lives. I also relate stories about what I experienced as a student and how hard it was to juggle with family and professional responsibilities.
Carol,
This is a good practice. Students can build confidence when they see similar others achieving success.
I have posted a story to students to let them know that life happens, but they can make it!
Tareq,
Making yourself available for some synchronous time in what is usually an asynchronous environment is a great way to connect with online students and to give them comfort knowing there is an active person on the other side of the screen.
How do you drink virtual coffee? My students will think, I don't have a life, if I offer them virtual coffee. What I found most helpful is to have a live tutoring chat session online each and every week where I will help students with their weekly deliverable.
