Doug Blymier

Key components of meaningful feedback include the following. The feedback provided on assignments/projects should be: 

• connected to learning objectives
• frequent
• positive in tone
• automatic, if possible
• provided in a variety of ways:
  • written peer or instructor feedback
  • auditory
  • visual
• individualized
• specific and detailed

These are important facts in the online learning.

This comment was made: detailed instructions in the syllabus are the key to good online communication

I disagree I believe in the module the following are importatn

• Provide clear instructions
• Clarify purpose
• Keep students on task
• Offer assessment to clarify purpose
• Direct students to worthy sources
• Reduce uncertainty and disappointment
• Deliver efficiency
• Create momentum

After doing online course the following statement holds true:

The course-module template is a cyclical and ongoing process. It must occur more than once to identify areas in which students may have difficulty or to ensure content, graphics, etc. are properly placed to enhance student learning.

Basic relational skills in writing include elements of written communication such as word choice, positive language, and affective, interactive, and cohesive statements. Effective utilization of these skills enables communicators to establish strong working alliances with students despite the absence of nonverbal communication cues.

I prefer inperson communication.  Body language, intonation, and eyes relay messages without miss interpretation.

Technology plays a critical role in creating an engaging online student experience. In particular, technology influences one’s ability to adequately interact with students and be responsive to their needs. With the proper systems in place, institutions will be better equipped to meet online students’ needs and support retention efforts.

I found this interesting:

Academic factors that contribute to poor academic performance can generally be categorized into 7 core competencies. Though not exhaustive, this list can help faculty and staff tailor academic interventions to specific areas of concern. These competencies are self-management, self-advocacy, technological fluency, information literacy, research skills, writing skills, and virtual collaboration.

Although many factors influence student retention, the frequency and quality of interactions between students, faculty, and staff is one of the few variables institutions can control that has a significant and positive impact on student retention.

A working alliance is the professional relationship between students and institutional personnel, which involves the establishment of rapport, trust, and a mutual agreement about goals and action plans. Building strong working alliances with online students is fundamental to increasing positive student outcomes.

The major causes of conflicts are: 

• Ineffective communication.
• Personality differences.
• Differences in personal values.
• Differences in personal goals.
• Failure to fulfill commitments.
• Shirking of roles and responsibilities.

What I didn't know is yu can use email to talk to the students.  I always believed these matters should be handled face to face

It is not recommended to use synchronous discussions to instruct important course content or get a feel for students' understanding of the concept.

Another method to project your authority is course/module/lesson introductions through (in order of effectiveness): 

1. Video-clips supported by a printable version of the narration script for each video-clip.
2. Audio supported by a printable version of the audio script and a head-and-shoulder photograph of yourself.
3. Text supported by a head-and-shoulder photograph of yourself.
4. Text alone.