William,
Yes, we have to make sure students understand the expectations and we are communicating well with all students. Thank you.
I believe that consistency and timeliness in response time are most important. Students will soon know and understand what to expect of the instructor and what the instructor expects of the student.
I believe the two most important things to consider in establishing a pattern of communicating is instructor accessibility and develop varying modes of communication. By nature online classes creates a distance between students and the instructor; therefore, communication is the cornerstone of online learning. Student should clearly understand instructor’s availability and the preferred mode of communication. In my experience, several modes of communication should be available for students to use. Many students prefer email, some prefer text messages and some prefer the telephone. I have a google phone that is dedicated to my online students. I can text or phone students directly. Student can also leave a VM as well and I inform student that I will return calls within 24 hours.
Cheryl,
That consistency can really help students understand the expectations. Thanks!
Sharon,
Instructors must certainly be accessible and using a variety of communication modes is essential. Thanks!
Two important pattern of communication with online students are responding to emails in a timely manner. This helps the students see that you are concerned with their welfare. The second thing is to give timely feedback. Feedback helps students to grow and learn.
Two most important things to consider when establishing a pattern of communication is
1 The instructors expectations, so let the students understand that tone and content matter. Proper grammar and correct spelling are anticipated. Professional tone and support of their peers is established using the name of the person's communication when responding to them.
2. Time frames and content expectation. The discussion should be 3-5 sentences in length, Using sentences with complete thoughts and again, proper grammar. References should be listed at the end of you essay whenever you research your information. Reply posts should be respectful and supportive of our peers, even when you do not agree with them.
Mary Johnston
For effective communication to take place, it is important for the instructor to state the guidelines initially about what is expected. The instructor should inform students as to when he/she is available and list office hours which reflect this. Office hours posted in a class will let the students know the best times to reach the instructor. It is typically a good idea to have at least two office hours outside of the normal class times each week.
Another aspect that is important is that the instructor remains consistent in the communication process. The instructor should be in a habit of checking emails or telephone messages at the same time each time. The students can expect to have their questions answered at a specific time if they know the habits of the instructor. It is also important, however, for the instructor to follow up with every email or call.
The two most important things in establishing communication are norms and schedule. Norms include an expectation as to when a professor will return student work and when students are expected to turn work in. It includes the expectation that professors will respond professionally and vice versa.
A schedule needs to be something that the student can count. A student needs to know that a professor will get back to them with 24 hours for example and that students ought to let professors know when they are going to be late on an assignment.
I think the first thing to consider would be what grabs the students attention? The second would be once you gain there interest keeping there interest and making sure they are understanding you.
The two most important things to consider are certainly tone and grammar. For some reason I always give someone high regards that uses proper grammar structure in written communication. Without proper tone the message will be lost.
Hi everyone! It is important to establish and maintain solid communication guidelines. The two most important things are:
1. Communicating guidelines clearly at the beginning. I want to be sure that students understand what is expected of them – and what they can expect from me.
2. Modeling. I feel that is it important to model these guidelines in all communication with students. This will help to maintain the standards and remind students of the expectations. I cannot expect them to do what I do not do.
It is difficult to narrow something as vast as communication down to two key things.
~ Nicole
In the context of teaching online classes for Briarcliffe (and other institutions) the most important thing is compliance with the institution's own standards/requirements. As an agent of the school, my task is to be an extension of their intentions. If I have a suggestion for change, I would use proper channels and not breech the school's policy based on my own convictions.
Setting an example of prompt, pertinent and courteous communication (and monitoring others' compliance with the same standard) is important...especially the "prompt" part. Students (perhaps all of us) live in a world of "instant gratification" and delay is seen as disrespect; delay of communication can frustrate the student and unnecessarily involve school administration if the student becomes frustrated with lack of response from the instructor. Handled promptly, communication enhances instruction and the student experience.
