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Working in an online environment has more opportunities for students to learn how to self-motivate, since there is not the normal classroom setting when you have eyes on them for an entire class period and can enforce quiet or working environments. 

The best guide in having an effective communication process, keeping students engaged, and having a positive online community is to be an example of how you want your students to act and how to speak to each other. 

There should be clear, concise, and sometimes redundant information given when using online education.

 

Different age groups communicate in different ways.

Considering the characteristics of different generations was helpful in understanding part of the challenge in communicating in an online classroom environment, as wel as considerations for why these challenges exist. In addition, it is helpful to remember to model what is expected and reach out to students who are not participating.

 

As an instructor, understand the differences between generations; and build a viable learning community. Furthermore, personalize the environment, encourage introduction, provide timely feedback, and establish clear guidelines for participation.

All students communicate different.  There should be a variety of communication tools assessible to the students within the course.  This will enable all students to have a voice.

 

I need to make sure every student is active and present in an online learning environment. 

I've learned that even though we need to teach our students how to effectively communicate, we must also find ways to keep them engaged via online learning.

Students need to prepare themselves for online classes and make sure they have the time management skills and self motivation to complete the course.

 

It is important to recognize the generational identy of the group you are teaching. Different generational groups have different communication styles and they must be intergrated to acheve success in the virtual class room. Communication guidelines must take into consideration the different comunication styles of the generation they are instructing. Instructors must model good communication to the students in the course. Instructors must also be courteous and respectiful to the students. When communicating to your students take into account the the other persons perspective, use clear, simple and concise language. One aspect of the communication process that is missing in the online course is nonverbal communication, therefore straight forward language is appropirate in order to aviod any misunderstandings

 

Keep it professional and appropriate and avoid slang words or the use of acronyms - that way all ages will understand what is being communicated.

communication mean different thigs to different groups of people.  Older students have more experience with it.  Younger students may need a little more direction and explaination.

 

It is important to understand how different generations communicate.  It is inevitable that that there may be some miscommunications and or discipline when it comes to communicating.  

The Golden rule is a good place to start with students when creating a functioning online environment where all students feel comfortable with communication both written and verbal thus avoiding the sound of silence.

You must consider the generational characteristics of learners in developing  a course communication plan, assist those who need it, and respect their different styles. You must alo ensure that your own messaging is positive, respectful, and creates a safe and positive learning envionment. Those who are silent or non-participative may be drawn in by assigning various roles, such as moderators, that require them to play a more active part. Conflicts can arise in group projects, regarding roles, contributions, timing, or differences of opinion, and these must be addressed quickly and effectively.

Comfortability is the key for student success.

Since day one the students should be told they are to be online every day and is expected to work on assignments. By keeping the zoom fun and engaging them on pre-quizzes or show them a video with the same topic of the week and having them come back an hour before they are to clock out just in case they have any issues or questions on their assignments. That keeps aware of the students that are not doing so well and lack communication. I like to catch that issue early so I can have a one and one zoom to see what is going on. 

Making sure that you set the standards with the rules for communication and then making sure that you match the standards that you set is so important.

Communication again will be key in setting up the virtual classroom the first few days.  By establishing student & teacher expectations up front will help keep everyone "on the same page" and will hopefully reduce conflict and mis-communication issues later in the class.

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