Ensuring that all students have a sufficient and reliable connection for communication is critical in online learning. It is important to utilize communication techniques from a variety of resources.
I learned how important is to evaluate our communication tolls formative and summative to garany student satisfaction.
With the online courses, students need to understand that there are boundaries. I had students upset that because they posted a question at midnight or even 10pm that I didn't respond immediately. I have been clearly stating my "Office Hours" from the beginning of every term so that students know that I will answer in those times and, if I happen to get on and check messages later in the evening, I will respond then as well. They sometimes seem to feel that just because they're on, we should be here waiting for them like an AI bot.
Effective communication can be done using multiple means. It depends souly upon ones own ability to understand what is available, but most importantly how to use it.
There are a number of different ways to communicate with the students in the class. Small group or one-on-one methods like email, FaceTime, and messaging, large group like Skype or Zoom, and social networking sites like Twitter and Facebook. It is important to evaluate each possible method and determine if they meet your needs.
Each technology tool should be evaluated for emall/large group and even though you choose a technology tool, you do not have to use every function available. It should also be assessed for future use at the end of a course.
We all have access to tons of communiction tools via software & apps, but learning how to put them all together to run a lesson in an on-line course is where it becomes important. Having the students (and the teacher) provide feedback will be key for making sure the use of technology-based tools aren't too confusing or complicated used during the lesson.
For effective communication to take place you will need to choose the appropriate tool for that type of communication.
I have been using Zoom, Remind, Texting, School and Private Email to communicate with my students and give them different ways of reaching me should they have any questions or problems with their assignments. They know they can reach me 24/7 and I answer them back. Communication between a student and instructor is very important.
I have been using Remind, Email, Google Voice, Text, Zoom, and by phone. Has worked for me to keep in contact with my students one way or another. Nowadays it's easier to communicate with them.
I'v learned that may technology tools are available to provide communications in online learning settings. These technologies should be carefully chosen based on the characteristics and pros and cons of each. Some provide asynchronous communication, such as email andn Facebook or Instagram groups and posts. Other technologies, such as Skype annd Blackboard Collaborate provide synchronous settings for group disussions. Designers must also consider the size of the group that will be communicating and choose the best forum with the best tools for that collaboration. Formative and summative evaluations must address how affective and appealing each of these technology tools each of these tools have been in a particular course.
Becareful what you chose, use only the necessary functions for the course, use on going assessment and feedback so that you know if there are any communication problems.
There are many online resources provided to teachers and we are encouraged to use all of them. I need to spend more time determining which resources would benefit my students the most and not just using them simply because they are provided to me.
It is important that the instructor and the students are on the "same page" with regard to communication tools. No one should be searching for where the information is located. if 1 person can not find /or did not see a message then reevaluate your communication.
Students do best when different forms of communication is available. As educators we need to review and find the best form that is needed for our audience
It is important to assess if the technology tools beign utilizied within the courses are effective or not. And if not, to find others that are effective.
In whatever communication tool is used the appropiate student teacher relationship should be followed.
I have learned that there are several ways to communicate with students using multiple telecommunications methods. It is very important to understand each method to find the one that works best for you and your students. I work technical college and many of our student population face tremendous psychosocial and economic challenges. As an instructor I must use affordable telecommunication methods.
I have learned that the use of technology is more essential than it has been in the past. It's very important to teach our students which options are best as it relates to certain situations.
I have learned that there are different ways to communicate with students. I as the instructor need to find what tool will work best for my class. I need to make sure communicating is key. Also, if I choose a particular technology I do not have to uses every tool associated with the technology. I can use what I need or works best for my class.
