Jonida,
We love those "C" words. Clear, consistent communication is excellent. Do you have any tips on how to be clear and consistent in your communication?
I believe the two most important things to consider are consistency and completeness. As an instructor, it is very important to establish consistent response times and to respond in a way that is easy for the student to understand.
If a response is not complete, it can require additional interactions and this can lead to student distress. Also, in the online environment, students do not want to wait an excessive amount of time for a response. With this, it is important to define response times so students understand when to expect a response.
Shannon,
Great - another "C" word - completeness. You are right on target when you note the importance of timely responses. Thanks!
The two most important things in a pattern of communication are to have a set guideline as far as time, and to make sure the students know HOW to communicate. Guidelines (times, methods, etc) should be reinforced regularly. Many students, even though posted in announcements, do not read or remember the turn around time for communication and get frustrated when we are not at our computer 24/7. It is also important to let them know the best way to communicate with you. For me, I am quicker to respond to an email than a phone call. I try to let my students know this as well.
NICOLE,
Yes, the guidelines are definitely helpful to all students as they learn how and when to communicate in an online learning environment. Set your schedule and communicate it to students so that you do not become a 24/7 online instructor. Thanks!
I would say the two most important things to consider when establishing a pattern of communication is timeliness and tone.
Being able to respond in a timely manner tells the student you are interested in what they are saying. It will keep them engaged. Tone sets the stage for the dialogue that will follow. Both important
First, the instructor must lead by example initiating courteous and respectful communication with the student. Second, the instructor must show consistency with this communication on a regular basis to keep the learner engaged.
Lynn,
Being timely in your communication is essential. The tone is something we all need to work on and be careful not to use language that can be easily misinterpreted. Thanks for your input.
The most important consideration is to established when students can expect to hear back from the instructor. I am always extremely upfront about this. First, give a time line. For example, they can expect a response within 24 hours. Second, tell them when you will typically check your email. I tell them I check my emails in the evening. If they email late at night, they should not expect to hear back until the following evening.
The second consideration is to establish where they can expect you to communicate within 24 hours. For example- if they email, post on the current discussion forum, or in the FAQ forum. If they call, or post somewhere else, then it may take longer just because you may not see it until later or have time to call until later.
Best,
Brian Stout
Steve,
Ah - you hit the nail on the head. We have to serve as role models and lead the students in the learning process. Thanks!
Brian,
Excellent. We do have to make sure our students understand when they will hear from us and how often. These guidelines are essential. Thanks!
Dr. Crews,
To establish credibility in communication delivering a well defined/clear and consistent message across all mediums used is important. In the academic environment, the syllabus, the course assignments, the rubrics, and the formative feedback should all follow the same consistent message.
Rodney C.
Perry,
Great comment on modeling the expectations to help set a quality example.
Rodney C.
Dr. Crews and All,
I often see students request "an example" of a properly done assignment.
I try to provide one example of a multi-page assignment, and often two or three discussion board posting examples during each class.
Rodney C.
Rodney,
We do have to set the time of the class and can do that in a variety of ways. Thanks.
Rodney,
You bring up several things that can help build credibility. This is an important part of communication in the online world. Thanks.
Rodney,
Good point. I typically provide a "B" example an tell students their project must be better to earn an "A". I also always refer them to the rubric for the assignment as well. Thanks.
Hello Tena and everyone,
Instructors need to provide their students with formative feedback so that the students enhance upcoming assignments. Also, Instructors need to encourage ongoing communication to create a community of learners.
Developing a pattern of communication helps not only students but also instructors as it builds an easy-to-navigate communication system for them and provides consistent communication.
I think a pattern of communication and leading by example. I think it is important to be online every day and set a pattern so students know when you will respond to their question. I also believe it is important to provide examples so students can model an instructor's response.
Eman,
I absolutely love formative feedback. I learn so much about what the students understand and don't understand through this feedback. Keep up the good work.
