I learned that student engagement is vital to a sucessful online course. Also tht effective communication is very necessary to a positve outcome for the students taking the couse.
i found from this course that you need to find the best way to communicate with the students and their learning,the way they learn and the best way its explained to them and integrate it in your cirriculum.
Students need to be movtivated, self disipline and have time managemnet to be successful.
Defining communication expectations to students is very important.
I have learned patience with the newer generations is a necesity as they see the world differently than us but yet they must be respectifull and follow netiquette.
You must set your expectations for communication from the beginning of the course.
With many baby boomers learning online you need to spell out the expectations in the syllabus and make sure they understand it. explain time management and how to complete what is expected during the course, also be ready to help them navigate as they may be computer challenged.
Student engagement is vital to a successful online course. Instructor need to ensure that students participate and communicate frequently with each other.
I learned that to communicate effectively online I need to understand the different type and generation of students and how they communicate differently.
The only real issues I have had with online communication is the motivation to interact. The students I typically have (IT students) enjoy the isolation and prefer to work alone. Getting them to interact with discussions and group projects has helped in this. I like the use of Packet Tracer and creating a multi-networked group project or using Visual Studio and having them create different modules and discussing how to get them to work together. The same can be done for any group project and what is nice is that the LMS allows for grading individually or as a group.
I personally don't feel students have a problem communicating online, text, email, etc. It is the face to face communication that is lacking. Ask someone how they are doing and they will almost always say, "Fine." If they are polite they will add a "Thank you for asking and you?" I have seen this time and time again. I always incourrage my students to tell me exactly how they feel. As far as online communication it is simple, write as if you are the one receiving the message.
baby boomers may have issues using technology
It is important for students to have clear expectations of what good communication looks and feels like. The instructor can provide this information to the students in a clearly presented syllabus.
Generational differences should be taken to consideration during online learning and online students need to have time management skills, and be self motivated.
Communication again will be key in setting up the virtual classroom the first few days. By establishing student & teacher expectations up front will help keep everyone "on the same page" and will hopefully reduce conflict and mis-communication issues later in the class.
Making sure that you set the standards with the rules for communication and then making sure that you match the standards that you set is so important.
Since day one the students should be told they are to be online every day and is expected to work on assignments. By keeping the zoom fun and engaging them on pre-quizzes or show them a video with the same topic of the week and having them come back an hour before they are to clock out just in case they have any issues or questions on their assignments. That keeps aware of the students that are not doing so well and lack communication. I like to catch that issue early so I can have a one and one zoom to see what is going on.
Comfortability is the key for student success.
You must consider the generational characteristics of learners in developing a course communication plan, assist those who need it, and respect their different styles. You must alo ensure that your own messaging is positive, respectful, and creates a safe and positive learning envionment. Those who are silent or non-participative may be drawn in by assigning various roles, such as moderators, that require them to play a more active part. Conflicts can arise in group projects, regarding roles, contributions, timing, or differences of opinion, and these must be addressed quickly and effectively.
The Golden rule is a good place to start with students when creating a functioning online environment where all students feel comfortable with communication both written and verbal thus avoiding the sound of silence.
