Tennille O'Connor

Deloping a pattern if communication helps students to stay engaged and recognize your presence in the online environment. Setting expectations for response time and when you will not be available is important to help students manage their time and needs within the course. 

There are a variety of tools that can be used to communicate with students and amongst peers. It is important to determine the appropriateness of each tool when being used to ensure the more effective means of communication. 

The module shared several ways in which to connect with students ( i.e introduction email, best-wushes). These are quick and easy ways to personalize with your students and let them know you are present and committed to their success. 

It is important to evaluate facilitation of learning in the course and to make changes or adjustments as needed to continually improve the course to help students achieve the outcomes. 

Consistency is key when developing an online course. Having a consistent way in which a course is structured helps students know what to expect and where to consistently find things. 

It is important to determine which tool is appropriate to use in each situation. This may depend on the content being shared or the teaching styles of the students. 

There are many reasons students may need to exit from a program or course. Early, frequent communication is helpful is assiting students.

Feedback not only involves constructive criticism for the student but also asking for feedback from students about the course and how it can be improved. Tone is important when providing feedback. 

I appreciated all the suggestions to build relationship with students. I agree this is critical to the online learning environement. 

One of the questions they posed, "Can students gain access to all of the content from Day One?" Interested to know thoughts on this. In my online course I taught in an ADN program I only opened a until (so 3-4 weeks) at a time but in my own MSN and DNP programs, I appreciated having access to the entire course so I could work ahead. I am not sure beginning students do as well with the entire course open as they are still learning to manage their time and expectations for the level of rigor in nursing courses. They… >>>