I find that relationships can develop naturally online, but unless you are careful, some students may fall through the cracks. The comments and suggestions posted here were very helpful, with good tactics to prevent that very thing from happenning.
Being an online instructor it's very important to stay up to date with technology and know what's available in terms of communication capabilities with my students; especially the younger ones who don't like to talk on the phone and would rather text or email.
A dizzying array of communication technology tools exist. I'd begin by utilizing whatever tools are recommended by my university, school district, or college.
Researching and deciding which communication tools work best is important, as each population is different and different ways of communication can be utilized for best efficiency.
There is so many great ways to communicate with students online. Email, social media, your online forum. I have foudn that with my younger students they are more than likely to respond to me if I send them a text. If I call first chances are they will not answer.
CTC
It is essential to know what technology is available. Study each one and use the on that is best for the course.
Different groups of students may require a different teaching system.
I have learned that instructors should make use of the different technology tools that are available. Constant evaluation of these tools are important throughout the course, so that it can help the instructor to make some changes if necessary.
I have learned that the most effective tools for efficient communication with students is the one that we use in the proper way when investigating it, such as email, text messages, whatSapp, etc., since what we are looking for as an instructor is that the message arrives in a clear, precise and understandable way, so that the student can make the correct decision.
That the technology tool should enhance the learning for the student and enhance communication between the student and instructor, and between the students themselves.
I learned that it is important to select the correct technology tool and that while a tool may have many components, the instructor does not have use them all. Also learned that formative and summative assessment of the tools are necessary to improve communication throughout the course.
I have learned that it is imperative to obtain feedback from students to assess the technology communication tool in formative and summative formats which will provid the instructor with ongoing feedback throughout the course.
I'm now interested in learning how to use social media, Twitter in particular, as a communication tool! But I learned that various technology communication tools must be investigated to ensure effective communication with students, including offering students to give formative and summative feedback.
Make sure that the communication you choose gets the points you need to impress upon your students will work discuss this with your students and use the one that fits the best and follow up and make sure that it works
It was useful to learn the many ways that are available to engage and communicate with students. I also thought it interesting the part about how these various forms of communication (particularly email) can give the impression of 24/7 availability. I plan to implement the suggestion to establish boundaries about email response times.
I do agree that accessing an appropriate technology for the class is essential as students learn in a variety of ways via different communication platforms. Instructor and student collaboration is common through VoIP such as Skype and Zoom. When working with the class, group of students, or individual students, I find that Zoom offers such capability to adjust the session (breakout rooms, one-on-one, etc.)
Communication continues to be a challenge, despite the various options for communicating. We have now begun to experience a dependency on technology, and the standstill that occurs when servers fail or networks are downs. But it is also challenging in trying to organize communication and then save attachments, send and receive sort communications, share files for collaboration. All this is evidence that communication protocols need to be communicated for each class, at the outset of the class, to ensure that the needed communication for the specific class occurs. Communication theorist affirms that as relationship increase so does the communication channels. This is not necessarily good news for the neat and clean class organization of communication. This fact underlines that multiple channels may forever be an inevitability not only due to the academic needs but also the learning community needs.
I learned the pros and cons of the various types of communication and teaching styles for asynchronous and synchronous classes. Also the importance of reviewing systems when in a formative and summative format.
I have learned how important it is to get feedback on your particular comuunication tool to ensure that any problems or difficulties the students may be experiencing with that tool is addressed and corrected in a timely manner.
As an instructor, it is important to know what technology tool is best for your class and to choose which tool that everyone can use and not to use too many tools. Using too many technology tools will only cause confusion and it overloads the communication process.
I believe one of the best methods for contented students in a classroom is to have effective and interactive communication with the students. Students must know what is expected and how the tasks are to be completed and the instructor must be able to effectively and regularly communicate with their students. I have learned different ways to enhance my communications with my students through this module.
