Another rich module. Communication plays such a big part in the success of an online course. In this module I learned the importance of developing a communication code of conduct. This code of conduct informs students of the expectations and consequences. As the instructor, constant monitoring and timely feedback must be provided.
I've never heard of a communication code of conduct. I understand the need for it and will seek to implement one next schoolyear.
To encourage participation and also monitor communication guidelines, rubrics should be used.
I enjoyed this module as I thought there was much practical information.
In section 1 an Academic Honesty policy was provided. This is the example:
Examples of policy statements include:
- Each student must do his/her own work and submit it electronically
- Each student must use technology for appropriate uses only
- Students may not collaborate with peers unless the instructor specifically states this may be done
- Students may not submit other students' work
- Students may not plagiarize
- Students may not use copyrighted material
Consequences for students may include, but are not limited to:
- Earn a zero on the assignment, project, etc.
- Fail the course
- Be required to provide a research paper on cheating or unethical behavior and/or letter of apology
- Be placed on probation
- Be suspended
- Be expelled
In section 2 a sample paragraph, to be included in the syllabus, was provided to help establish the communication guidelines. Yhis is the paragraph:
"Communication in this course will be conducted through email and the online discussion board. If you have specific questions pertaining to the course, assignments, projects, etc., post those questions on the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) discussion board. Anyone may answer the FAQs and bonus points may be earned for complete, correct answers. Use email if you have a personal question that should not be posted on the discussion board. Questions posted to the discussion board and sent via email will be responded to within 24 hours."
I learned that understanding communication and how to ensure a communication code of conduct that is clear, consice, and encourages a learning envionrment is vital.
I learned how important communication is so I plan to develop a communication code of conduct that is clear, concise, and encourages a positive learning environment.
Having a pattern of communication makes the communication transparent to the students. Explicitly state what you expect the communication to look like, up front, and what value appropriate communication might add to the student's grade. Rubrics can be useful for that, but at least a statement about what is expected, clearly, is important. Make clear when you will check email or other communication, including whether you are available on weekends.
I have learned that I need to teach students how to communicate with each other well. Guidelines need to be set and modeled to establish strong S2S communication.
I like the grading rubric at the end of the session for discussion board, sometime hard to get participation and this may allow for a way to encourage more and get results for the student.
I learned that you will have to set the guidelines that the students use to managage the communication process. Communication is essential.
continuation of the importance of communications with students was discused further in this section. It is important to develop and enforce a detailed code of conduct. All communications should be laid out in detail in the class sylabus/ rubric so the students know what is expected of them
I must model appropriate communication and setting standards early in the course is a must.
Communicating with Students --> Civility and Managing Overall Communication
Instructors should demonstrate civility and develop standards to up hold courteous communication. Students should be aware of communication standards, understand them and as well as the consequences.
Rules, communication and guidelines are important in a online environment.
I learnt about the various communication protocals, designing guidelines for effective online communication, framework for managing overall communication and establishing a pattern for communication as well as the components in a communication pattern in interations between I2S, S2I and S2S.
I will apply a rubric objective to encourage civility, good behaviour, respect and positivity.
I learned how important it is to manage the communication process and clarifying my expectations of civility-being polite and respectful, being professional, be careful with humor and sarcasm, etc. I will develop guidelines and a Communication Code of Conduct included in my syllabus.
I have learned that a pattern of communication or consistency is very important for student success. It also keeps the instructor on track.
Setting standards for communicating with each other. Having a clearly defined code of conduct with consequences. Will become standard in any online classes I am involved with from here on. It just makes sense that even when dealing with adult learners this is a good practice.
It is importance for the instructor to establish a code of conduct for communication on an online course. I like the strategies of setting expectations through a communication rubric and outline the consequences of the code of conduct is broken.
What have you learned from this module and how do you intend to apply it?
I liked seeing a rubric for student communicaiton. I'm going to include this in my online course.
Rules and Procedure on how to conduct online learning and behave is imperative within the overall learning process.
