This course content is timely. I am working to develop some end of the year professional learning for instructors in my building which includes both pieces of reflection on their recent remote learning experiences as well as planning to ensure learning does not depend on being face-to-face (F2F) moving forward.
The three lenses of communication: instructor-to-student (I2S), student-to-instructor (S2I), and student-to-student (S2S) will be helpful in structuring the reflection and planning activities. In our quick transition to remote learning, I think the focus was mostly on I2S and S2I. Student emotional well being and safety were a priority as well as an emphasis on staff connecting with students. The next step seems like intentionally planning to develop a class community that does not depend on being F2F. Using S2S communication will be a valuable additional layer to consider as our instructors plan for the fall.
An additional takeaway were the course reflection questions. Part of our reflection at this point includes identifying what worked and didn't work regarding communication, technology, content delivery, and connections/relationships. However, the feedback the course reflection questions gathers provides a greater perspective than just the instructors. These, or modifications of, will be a great addition to build in as we think about improvement.
In the Online Language: Communicating with Students course, module one, I learned the importance of analyzing the communication tools that are currently being used within the class. To continue, getting student feedback throughout the course is critical to ensure the student is not struggling with the class due to a communication tool that could easily be modified by the instructor. Lastly, the end of class evaluation needs to include key questions pertaining to the communication tools used within the class so that the class is modified based on student responses.
Find the right online tool to help you in your course, when you find it see if it is working and continue to perfect it if not find another tool
I've used Remind and GroupMe for supplemental communication in the past, but had not considered the options of fully incorporating it into an online course. The idea of using social media in a course was also something I had not seriously considered as it was not part of any online courses I've taken in the past.
Thereare so many techonlogical tools It could be overwhelming to novice's like me, as a matter of fact it ic more likely that the students could tell me alot about these tools. to that end I would definetly follow the lead of the students with a majority considered on which tool whould be used.
I learned to research the best tool for your need.
Choosing the correct technology tool can determine whether students are able to understand your message and complete what you are asking them to do.
Choosing the correct tool doesn't have to be an end-all unreversible decision. You should reassess your tools and implementations along with course evaluations.
Communication can take many form in an online class. Where some are better suited then others. The teacher must find the right balance and usage of platforms. I'll try to get out of my comfort bubble and start experimenting with Twitter and Instagram for classroom comunication.
To build an online community, students will need a tool for communicating with each other.
Instructors should use different forms of communication to ensure that students can being communicated with. Social media can be used but it needs to make sure it is focused on the intended focus of the class.
It is important to research the pros and cons of different forms of communication. There are many different ways to communicate with students.
Communication within an online course is paramount for student success. Virtual communication can be achieved by email, chat rooms, Zoom/Skype or social media.
There are many technology tools available and teachers must seek out which ones are best for their students' needs. The purpose for the tool must also be identified.
I never thought of social media to be place of virtual classroom communication. This has certainly open up more options for myself as an online instructe. Definitely something I will be utilizing in the very near future.
Learned the importance of using the proper technology toos.
This course enlightens the many use instructors can utilize to increase student, teacher communication. The better the teacher interacts and the replay from students also identifies the students understand and the formats work.
This module did a nice job of identifying and parsing out different names / brands and types of tehcnology tools to conduct online classes, meetings, etc. Like anything else in today's world, people can quickly and easily get in - over their heads - by selecting technology that is too complex for the intended audience, has complicated features that are not easy to use and (in my opinion) not intuitative or easy to use. Finally, this module does a nice job of driving home the point that any technology has to be evaluated on an ongoing basis in terms of it's intended audience, the purposes and functions the tool (or tools) are supposed to fulfill and the need to continously evaluate and / or tune the tool, the technology, or both in order to facilitate students needs and activities.
In creating course content it is importnat to decide on which type of communication tools will work for you as an instructor and for your students. It is important to research the pros and cons of each choice. Email can be used as a main from of communication but at times it may be necessary to call students to reach out and see how the student is doing. Texts although can be impersonal are good for reminding students of important deadlines or tests. Whatever techngology communication it is important to recevie feedback from students during the course and at the end. In addition, the instructor should also self reflect on the tools being used in the course and evaluate and change accordingly.
