Tena Crews

Sharon, Right on! The pattern of communication should reinforce the learning objectives and help students understand what is expected of them. There are various ways to develop the pattern of communication and we will all do it in various ways. However, you have listed many essential components. Thanks!

Sharon, You started your posting off perfectly! Yes, communication is the key and in your second paragraph, the last question is crucial: Can the same results be achieved with a more accessable technology? The questions you ask throughout your posting are very helpful. Online instructors should ask these questions for every class they teach. Thank you for your input.

Joel, I totally agree that rubrics help both the instructor and the students. Love that you use a live chat to do that.

Joel, Of course there are stereotypes and each person is different. I too am a baby boomer and started working on computers with one of my first teaching jobs in 1983. I taught the math teachers how to use the computers. ;-) But, we're special! :-) I am also on the border between two generations. That has an impact as well. Any information you get about generations are generalizations. The same holds true about learning styles. I learn in more than one way, etc. Thanks for your input.

Joel, Totally agree. I put statements in my syllabus explaining what is the correct way to communicate in my course as well. If they email me and they do not have a subject line, I tell them their email will be deleted. When I teach business communications, I specifically state how we need to communicate as we are communicating in business. Thanks for your input.

Peter, Thanks again for your input. Course grades can tell you if students are learning or if students are putting forth the effort. As you noted, making sure the students understand the assignments and what is expected of them is important. When doing student surveys for feedback, make sure you do formative surveys throughout the course and at the end. Thank you.

Peter, Thanks for your organized response to this forum. You've added good information to the conversation. I think what you mean by adjusting your teaching style is providing information to students in a variety of ways. That's a good point. Begin prepared, organized and a good communicator are also necessities. These all help you develop way to engage the students. Nice job.

Allen, Your comments on the forums bring light to important topics. As an instructor remember that you serve as a role model to students. Therefore, professionalism and respect are important. Thanks for the input.

Allen, Thanks for you great contribution to this forum. I like that you covered communication thoroughly. It's good to not just rely on email, but provide other options for communicaiotn. I also have the 24 hour rule. Some people have a 48 hour rule, but that can seem like forever to students. ;-) Thanks again.

Tammy, Thank you for your great input in this forum. YOu are right on track with your comments. It seems that you have some experience on teaching online and you have great ideas to share with others. Thank you.