Building Report
It is so important that we as instructors attempt to build a report with our students. In an F2F classroom this can be easy but in an online format this can be more challenging.
Faryl,
You are correct, we aren't as comfortable in using the communication channels in an online course.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
It can be difficult, but I think the more you communicate with your students, the easier it is. I am always reminding my students that they can email me for any reason, and it seems to help.
Krystal,
Yes, but you don't have to give up your life to answer email. Do you sent guidelines regarding when you answer email?
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I try to respond to email within 24 hours. Occasionally, I will have a student try to demand that I answer them immediately or grade their work immediately, but I explain the timeframes to them, and they're usually okay with it.
Krystal,
Do you have that specifically spelled out in your syllabus. Best practice indicates taht is the best way to do it.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
The certification programs that we run can be very, very intensive and difficult. The "building" nature of the material requires the student to stay focused and on-track throughout the course, or they will start to slip, and fall behind. If this happens, they most likely will not be able to process and really understand the new material coming at them, and a snowball effect will undoubtedly follow.
It is therefore imperative that the instructor builds a strong rapport with each student early in the course, to make sure that every student stays on-track, and so they can spot when a student is faltering, and provide the neccessary assistance and motivation to keep the student on-track and prevent more problems down the line.
With an online course, I have to imagine that this relationship would be even more important, as you don't have some of the visual or auditory clues available to a classroom instructor (i.e. glazed eyes, talking instead of paying attention, etc.) It seems like it would be easier for the student to lose focus, get out of sync with the course, and start a downward spiral.
Still, I think as long as we build that relationship from day one, we impress upon them the need for regular feedback on both sides of the monitor,and communicate with the students regularly with the goal of making sure that they are learning and UNDERSTANDING the material (and if not, to be able to address the situation ASAP, before things get worse!), then we can expect to enjoy the same success with online training as with F2F classes. But it all starts with the rapport between teacher and student I think...
Dennis,
I like our positive attitude! You are "spot on" regarding that it starts and ends with the rapport between teacher and student. Great observations
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I agree completely. It is very important for instructors to communicate both regularly and positively with students.
Begin with an introduction, letting students know who you are and what you expect.
From there, make sure that you provide guidance and feedback in an encouraging and positive manner.
Linnea,
True, do you use video as a way to develop relationships?
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I agree! I create introductory recording to introduce myself and also make sure that I respond to each introductory discussion post and ask a question about a personal aspect that was posted.
I also use social networking tools to "meet" my students and have found this to be helpful too!
Kim Houck
Kim,
Nice technique, Kim. Good use of social media. I think I am trying it this semester.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I am curios if what was meant was building "Rapport"? No intention to be petty or condescending. I just want to make sure I'm not missing something.
Roxanne,
You want to develop ease in communication not only instructor to student but among students as well. You want to develop a learning environment where all are comfortable regarding sharing ideas.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I find that the students seem more open in the virtual environment. I think because they can't see the expressions on the other students faces when they talk it makes it much easier.
I am sure that online instrutors feel it is a very important part of any classroom, but vital in the online environment. Trying to make a personal connection with all of my students starting the first day they log in to post that introductory note to the class, is just a first step. I try to find something that we have in common besides the fact that they are in my class. I make a personal comment to their weekly assignments to let them know that I am really reading their work and noting their progress. I return a graded paper with comments just like I would in f2f class. It only takes a few minutes more for each paper, but it can mean all of the difference in the world to the students.
Billie,
You post is so good! I agree that we have to make that personal connection; regardless of the classroom environment. Calling them by name, commenting on something that is important to them; answering their questions responsibly that is the key.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I find it very difficult at time to build a positive report with students i an online setting. Students tend to feel they do not have to be as engaged in the course since they are not F2F. This is quite the opposite in my opinion. Students in an online environment have to be very disciplined and very involved to be successful in the course.
Tracey,
That is true and it is a challenge and also an opportunity. You have to make sure they are engaged by providing opportunities ( assignments ) that make them engage. It has to be an expectation that you hold them to.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
