It is hard to teach on line without connecting face to face with the students.  I have found that I must communicate very clearly and my communication skills have really improved over time because sometimes what I think I am saying to the student may not be what they are understanding.  Good Luck!

 

Susan

I found that if you stop and think before you post works well, because what we write may not be interpreted in the manner in which we think. Sometimes I will write a response in a word document, read it, and come back to it a couple of hours later before I post it.

Another strategy I use is to always compliment first and then correct while providing examples. I also use video with audio feedback on assignments. Students are blown away and they say that the video and audio provides a more personal method of feedback, while also demonstrating on their assignments what needs to be corrected and how to do it.

Bob,

There are no methodologies within the online environment, which would allow an instructor to see and feel.   

The online environment is a one-dimensional stage.  The difficulty is similar to being blind while communicating to strangers.  Within an on-ground class, you can see the student and gauge their responses.  The challenge for an online instructor is that he/she cannot see the student.  Therefore, the instructor must use his/her voice as a tool to capture and engage; voice inflections to capture the audience.

You should listen to a radio announcer and ask yourself, what makes one announcer better that another.  You should use your voice as a tool; it should not matter if you have ten students signed or no student signed on.  You must be engaging.  When an announcer speaks on the radio or television, there are no concerns as to how many people are listening, that announcer is using his/her voice to deliver the message.

You should call out students by name, using them within your scenario.

For example, I would say, “Bob, did you see that… if you were on patrol and observed a vehicle disregard a stop sign, would you write that ticket if it was your classmate?”  I would call out to another student and ask why?    This is all done with voice/tone variations.     

Online teaching is more than just talking; it is using your voice as a tool to capture the audience.

I totally agree with Walter's comments about using your voice to engage students.   I am a naturally animated speaker, I've always been told, and that helps me when working online.  I only have chatbox and audio as ways to communicate with the students.  I do try to use the whiteboard when it is needed, as well, of course, to type in words the students need to see as well as hear, when practicing their work.  Each day, I have an inspirational quote and an image correlated to the saying up on the whiteboard when students first arrive.  When doable, I like to bring in a website and/or a video clip from the web to illustrate a point. Also, I think calling on individual students regularly to give their input on the mic helps keep the attention span focused.

 I agree that addressing students by name whenever possible is very important because it personalizes the classroom, and everyone in the class gets to know each other more easily.  Celebrating their strengths and accomplishments and using praise first (always), then giving constructive criticism secondly, is an effective strategy, so that morale stays up.

Last but not least:  I think humor is essential when working with students online, as well as maintaining a relaxed but focused manner when discussing course content.  

 

Susan,

I think you brought up a great point about what you may thinking the students may not be thinking. Not only does this happen with online classes, but it definitely happens in the classroom as well. Sometimes, I have to slow down and get my thoughts together so the students can be on the same accord with me. I am interested to know what suggestions are given for the online courses non verbal behaviors because I am sure that it can be quite challenging.

Hi,

I agree that this can be challenging.  I am constantly attempting to reach out to students via thier email or their advisors.  I also try to be very specific in my expectations, as well as informing them of the assistance that I am available to provide.