Matthew Leach

Communication can often suffer through an online platform, but if anything, there should be more attention given to in what ways and how often we communicate with our online students! 

I particularly enjoy receiving feedback from my students and my peers, because both sources are looking at/for something different in their course experience. Peers push me to do/be better, whereas students not only help me, but the course, thrive for future students. 

Perhaps one of the most important aspects of feedback is being able to tie in real world experience. Instructors come with lived experience in a variety of industries, so the best thing they can do is bring some practicality to the feedback they provide. 

A syllabus should guide students through the course in a clear, easy-to-understand way. Furthermore, responses to students must be so much more than "Great work!" or "Really good job!" Feedback should be specific and tailored to each student. 

Online learning can be daunting, particularly for those not used to virtual or hybrid college courses. Consistency helps ensure that there is one less barrier in the way for non-traditional students who take online courses. Consistency also makes the lives of instructors easier, too, since it is not necessary to completely overhaul the material each term.