Communication, as in all aspects of life, is key for online teaching/learning. When speaking with a student directly, especially concerning critique, the communication must be private yet documented appropriately. And in public forums, the teacher must be prepared to professionally and empathetically respond to students who disrupt the flow of communication and learning. Because, as with all forms of discussion, there can be those who disrupt or communicate poorly.
I learned that there are effective ways to manage different learner behaviors and reduce attrition in learning. I will apply this by monitoring participation, reaching out to quiet or struggling students, and setting clear expectations for communication and deadlines.
It's tricky to keep people engaged without making them feel as if you're adding to the workload. I try to propel discussions with questions, but I understand those questions can't be so complex that students have to perform research or respond with something as long as their initial response. I'll do that deliberately, however, if their response is too brief to give them a decent grade. Sometimes that works better than calling them out privately and reminding them of requirements.
Students in the e-learning environment are as diverse as those in a traditional classroom. I need to be proactive from the beginning when it comes to interacting with all my students, not just the students who are engaged. Communication is key so that students understand the expectations and so that they know you are there when they need them. You need to have a place where you can keep track of what you spoke about with a student and when it happened. My school use a great program for this that allows me to alert counselors when I feel like a student is having issues that I can't help with or are in danger of failing.
As an online educator you can take some measures to reduce attrition.
Alienation
Excessive workload
Competing responsibilities
Technical issues
Keeping things organized, and easy access makes things easier for the instructor to help all students throughout the course. Maybe create a "cheat sheet" for yourself for quick reference.
E-learning can create many excuses for students that are procrastinators when they do not complete work on time, especially since E-learning is independent and self directed. Ways to help students not fall behind include reminding them to complete their assignments offline and to keep a back up of their assignments to prevent it being lost if they run into technical issues. Students should also be reminded of policies and procedures regarding submission guidelines and rules for participation. They should also be made aware of any alternative ways to submit assignments and to communicate with the instructor when they run into technical problems.
To effectively reduce students’ attrition, an instructor needs to foster a sense of belonging in the students, provide academic support as needed, such as mentoring and tutoring, provide timely feedback and regular communication, touch base as soon as a student seems or is showing signs of struggling, and create opportunities for maximum engagement, as well as inclusiveness.
I learned a variety of specific methods to implement when dealing with difficult behavioral traits.
using email to communicate and council
Managing an online class takes both structure and flexibility. Flexibility allows space for different needs and challenges. It's important to set clear expectations and keep the lines of communication open. The online class should be supportive and easy to navigate.
From this content, I learned that effective information management is essential for teaching online, especially when handling large volumes of communication and student work. Establishing a simple but organized record-keeping system helps maintain clarity and efficiency throughout the course. It’s important to categorize and store key materials—such as assignment submissions, discussion transcripts, emails, and model answers—in a way that allows for quick retrieval when needed. Using consistent folder structures, file-naming conventions, and a dedicated email address for course communication ensures that both instructor and students stay organized. Ultimately, strong information management not only supports smooth course administration but also helps maintain professionalism and accountability.
I learned that effective online communication is imperative to engage the student's learning and that sometimes, we still need to redirect their behavior online.
Emails still have to be kept professional when responding to a student.
I have learned that effective online learning depends on interaction, clear communication, and engagement strategies. I intend to apply this by actively participating in discussions and using interactive tools to improve collaboration.
I learned to manage records, communication, conflicts, and student attrition in online learning. I will apply these strategies to improve participation, provide personalized support, and reduce student dropout.
In a virtual classroom, it's common to encounter different types of students: some highly engaged, others more reserved, some who progress quickly, and others who require more support. Managing this diversity involves implementing flexible strategies that address different learning styles, such as offering a variety of resources (videos, readings, hands-on activities), encouraging participation with inclusive dynamics, assigning roles in collaborative activities, and providing tutoring or personalized feedback when necessary. Recognizing and properly managing these differences creates a more equitable, motivating, and effective learning environment for all students.
I learned the importance of following up on special cases of students who may drop out of the course and how to prevent this from happening.
Managing an e-learning environment takes both structure and flexibility. Flexibility allows space for different needs and challenges. I plan to apply this by setting clear expectations, staying consistent with communication and creating an online space that feels supportive and easy to navigate.
Email is an effective way of communication.
