Communication
Communication is key in any job-as an employer and employee, student and teachers, etc. It's been interesting to me how communication occurs in an online classroom environment. My experience has been that students tend to cut corners if possible. They don't read the weekly emails/announcements. They don't watch video recordings, or read extra material. This information would help answer their questions. It would definitely cut down on the emails I receive with questions about the topics I specifically covered. I will refer students back to those weekly emails or videos so they know I cover the information.
I've also learned to be very careful when emailing students. Tone and intent of information can be mistaken over written information.
We definitely lose much of our usual messaging in online classes. It takes a long time to adjust to communicating with little sight or vocal knowledge of your students. Cutting corners is a continuous problem. I have an excellent student who writes one sentence responses to questions whenever possible. Sometimes he repeats the sentences. And that's a good student. Some of my students have learned that some professors don't always read through the entire assignment and so they fill out the first questions and don't do the rest. Usually they only try it once on me but occasionally someone will try it at the beginning of the course and again at the end. James Pilant
Absolutely! Students may not read all the online content and will email or call directly to get the information as they would a conversation. More like a one on one. I noticed quick tibits of information works best. Once they see a paragraph, they glance through it and never really absorb it.
Communication in the virtual world is very difficult. I find many students struggle when they don't have access to a person standing directly in front of them. Perhaps the key to this is making to vary the ways we communicate with online students: video (of yourself when possible), power point, written communication in blog or email form and even phone calls help ensure you've reached as many students as possible.
When answering an e-mail from a student regarding the information that was given during lecture. I will refer the student back to the chapter , their notes etc. I will then set up an appointment with the student for a face to face.
