These are all topics I am familiar with, as I studied them during my master’s program in education. However, this served as a valuable reminder to be more approachable and engaging with my students, and to remain accessible and student-centered when providing online instruction.

I already implement a lot of these styles into my daily communication, however I like the ARCs idea and will try to make sure that future communication hits these marks, 

I learned that some communication styles can lack the social ques needed to accuratly relay the message trying to get across, and that it is better to combine different modes of communication in order to make sure the content is communicated efficiently, 

Learners come from all backgrounds and are not what you might consider “traditional” in age age or demographics. 

The important things that I learned are that we as educators need to set the tone for the class whether the class is online or in person. This will help with student retention, confidence in performance of technique as well as in the content they are taught.

I will start using the [emotional] strategies and the ARCS communication moving forward.

Text communication is missing the body language component of expressive language and can be misunderstood as cold, demeaning, etc. if the right words are not chosen carefully.  Using video to post a technological message, introduction, lesson allows for the non-verbal body language and decreases the incidence of miscommunication.

Creating a positive social presence is a very important role for the on line instructor.

I have learned that maintaining solid communications with your online students has a greater impact on them than we may see. As a distance educator for Mathematics, I know just how much students can lean on us to make sure we can keep them upright in terms of the basics. However, they seem to appreciate the SIMPLE and QUICK reminders of due dates, tutoring sessions, schedule updates, etc. Things that are “easy to forget” in the fast paced world we are in, those reminders always receive many thank you’s from the students. I plan to make a calendar that I… >>>

Learners today are not all young people fresh out of high school.  Many learners take on line courses so they can do their course work around their schedules with family, work, and other commitments.

On line learners have to be able to ask for help when they need it.  The instructor needs to encourage the students to reach out as needed.  

Comment on Vicki Hoppe's post: Being available to answer questions is very important to the students.