how important is communicating with students in an online course

by Vincenza Ankunding 4 min read

The goal of online communication is the same as that of face-to-face communication: building links; share information; be heard and be understood. When and how you communicate with your students helps foster a sense of community in your online classes, which helps them feel connected to you and their colleagues.

When and how you communicate with your students helps you foster a sense of community in your class which helps your students feel connected to you and their classmates. As an online instructor, you are expected to communicate with your students in a timely and effective manner.

Full Answer

Why is effective communication important in online classes?

The goal of online communication is the same as that of face-to-face communication: building links; share information; be heard and be understood. When and how you communicate with your students helps foster a sense of community in your online classes, which helps them feel connected to you and their colleagues. As an instructor, finding the best methods to …

How do you communicate with students in online classes?

May 30, 2017 · Actually, communication with students in online classes needs to be frequent, intentional, and multifaceted. As an online instructor, you will need to actively combat distance and silence to make meaningful connections with your students. Read on to discover tools and strategies that can make the process easier.

Is online education more effective than traditional in-person communication?

Luckily, that doesn't take long, and there are some useful guidelines that can help any student develop the skills they need to succeed: Written Communication: Most online courses depend heavily on written communication, including emails, chat and discussion board contributions, and academic papers, essays, and lab reports. Students must remember to conduct …

Are there any communication barriers with online classes?

One of the most important aspects of online school is good, clear communication between students and teachers. It is important to understand that you can never ask too many questions. In a traditional classroom, teachers are able to see students’ expressions and visibly see if a student is struggling or does not understand something.

Why is it important to communicate with students?

Communicating with Students You are also required to adapt content for different learning styles, motivate students to learn, build supportive relationships using encouragement and empathy, manage the classroom, and give feedback – making your classroom a safe and supportive learning environment.Nov 16, 2020

Why is it important for teachers to communicate with students?

Good communication skills of teacher are the basic need of academics success of students, and professional success of life. Teacher communicates more instructions orally in classroom to students. Teacher with poor communication skills may cause failure of students to learn and promote their academics.

How do you communicate effectively in an online class?

Effective communication in online learning can improve student outcomes and satisfaction.Provide clear means of contact. ... Offer synchronous communication. ... Be involved on the discussion forums. ... Give thorough feedback. ... Remember that the Internet does not communicate nuance very well. ... The onus is on the instructor.Mar 21, 2022

Why is it important to interact with fellow students respectfully in online?

Discussions generate social interaction It allows the space for students to observe and incorporate the cultural aspects of the content and of the various perspectives of this content. Whether they agree with each other or not, in discussions students must relate, confront, challenge and support each other's ideas.Mar 3, 2020

Why Effective communication is important?

When communication is effective, it leaves all parties involved satisfied and feeling accomplished. By delivering messages clearly, there is no room for misunderstanding or alteration of messages, which decreases the potential for conflict.

How teachers can communicate effectively with students?

Having an open door policy and allowing students to pop in and talk about anything that may occur is a great way to promote good communication. Giving students extra support, tuition, or explanations before and after class helps shy students that don't feel comfortable in class to ask questions to learn.Jan 10, 2022

What is the importance of online communication?

The biggest importance is perhaps the fact that it brings together people of world and makes it well and truly a global village. There is nothing like time lag when information is shared across the internet using online communication. It helps in almost each and every field of industry and business.

What is communication in online learning?

Communication in an online course takes a variety of different forms. For example, communication can be a tool instructors use to establish and grow a relationship with learners. It can also take the form of course announcements and personalized messages of encouragement with learners that serve to relay information.

What are the communication barriers that you are facing during online classes?

Communication barriers exist in any communication process. They are greater in distance education due to physical distance between members, insufficient technology skills, difficulties using media, need for more human interaction, time constraints and restrictions, and lack of experience with distance education.

Why should online teachers consider online discussion in online learning classes?

Online discussion provides opportunities for students to engage in the learning process deliberately and proactively by interacting with other students (Kozan & Richardson, 2014). Through discussion, students can identify issues or problems, explore solutions, integrate them, and resolve the issues.

Does online learning improve communication skills?

With each online course you complete, you are developing virtual communication skills to serve you in your future career better. Not only will these communication skills help you succeed in earning your online degree, it will also prepare you for success in professional environments, whether it is remote or in person.Sep 17, 2020

What is the introduction session?

An introduction session in the first week is common, to answer student questions about the course structure and syllabus and to introduce yourselves. In the same category, you’ll find the course wrap-up session, where you address questions and concerns about final projects or exams.

What is assignment feedback?

Assignment feedback can be a great way to show your personality and your investment in your students’ progress.

What is the myth about online education?

One of the biggest myths about online education is that students always work alone, with minimal contact with their instructors or fellow students. The reality is that online courses make it necessary for students to expand and refine their written, audio, and video communication skills to fulfill their academic requirements.

What is OEDB.org?

OEDB.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

What is communication in online courses?

It can also take the form of course announcements and personalized messages of encouragement with learners that serve to relay information.

What is the job of an online instructor?

It is their job to support each student’s agency and independence in the course. While it is up to online instructors to provide ample support for their students, it is up to the student to maintain control over their pace ...

What is Michigan Virtual Learning Research Institute?

The Michigan Virtual Learning Research Institute (MVLRI) is a non-biased organization that exists to expand Michigan’s ability to support new learning models, engage in active research to inform new policies in online and blended learning, and strengthen the state’s infrastructures for sharing best practices. MVLRI works with all online learning environments to develop the best practices for the industry as a whole.

What is the National Standards for Quality Online Teaching?

Learner engagement and communication are key elements in the National Standards for Quality Online Teaching, which describes the standard of “learner engagement” by saying: “ The online teacher promotes learner success through interactions with learners and other stakeholders and by facilitating meaningful learner engagement in learning ...

Who is Christopher Harrington?

Dr. Christo pher Harrington has served public education as a teacher, an administrator, a researcher, and a consultant for more than 25 years and has experience assisting dozens of school districts across the nation in the design and implementation of blended, online, and personalized learning programs. He has worked on local, regional, and national committees with iNACOL and various other education-based organizations aimed at transforming education through the use of technology.

How to email your teacher about an assignment?

Here are examples of things you might need to email your teacher about: 1 when you don’t understand an assignment’s instructions 2 if you are struggling to understand the topic or concept 3 clarification on how to complete and submit an assignment 4 whenever you are confused or struggling in class

Can you ask too many questions in a classroom?

It is important to understand that you can never ask too many questions. In a traditional classroom, teachers are able to see students’ expressions and visibly see if a student is struggling or does not understand something. In an online class, it is partially a student’s responsibility to keep their teachers in the loop about how they are doing.

What is asynchronous communication?

While all types of communication can be valuable, this article focuses on asynchronous communication. Whereas synchronous communication requires real-time discussion (such as live chat rooms), asynchronous communication allows for a time lag, such as email or commenting on a blog post.

Why are blogs important?

Blogs – Blogs are the ideal place for learners to share thoughts, gather ideas, comment, and engage in conversation. Blogs help students to “make sense” of what they are learning. This chart illustrates how knowledge should be directed.

What is the level of engagement?

Level of Engagement: Instead of just absorbing information, students must be actively engaged. Students can apply the information, as well as give and receive feedback from other colleagues. As communication flows between participants, the environment naturally becomes more enriching and conducive to learning.

Why is anonymity important in school?

Anonymity can act as a deterrent for communication later down the line. This means connecting with classmates on social media and actively participating in group work. You can access online directories that list the emails of all other students in your classes. This is a great way to connect with them via social media.

How to address a professor in an email?

If you do reach out to your professor, make sure to represent yourself like an intelligent and capable professional. This means: 1 Make email subject lines clear and to the point. 2 Begin with a formal greeting (Hello), address the professor by his or her title (Dr. Smith), wrap up with a salutation (Sincerely) and conclude with your name. 3 Use standard spelling and grammar. 4 Do your due diligence. If you are unclear about an assignment, explain to your professor that you looked through the syllabus, your notes and checked with classmates before contacting him or her.

Can you meet your classmates in person?

Your classmates might not meet in person, but that doesn’t mean you can’t schedule a WhatsApp group meeting, a Google Hangout, a Twitter hashtag conversation, a Periscope live stream or a LinkedIn group discussion. Be sensitive to time differences.

Is there a barrier to online education?

Online students work on their own schedule, not their classmates or instructors. Because of this, there is likely going to be a few communication barriers. This is a natural aspect of an online education.

1. Be an Engaged Online Student

Your professors are here to inform, support, guide, mentor, develop and challenge you throughout your program. When you receive instructor feedback, understand that it is provided solely for your benefit and learning.

2. Ask Your Professor Questions

When you have questions about any aspect of your online courses, I encourage you to contact your professors sooner rather than later. While I understand it can sometimes feel a bit intimidating to email or call an instructor, Purdue faculty members welcome questions and appreciate students who take a proactive approach to their studies.

3. Be Open to Phone Communication

Remember, too, that while email is a convenient mode of online communication, telephone and Skype calls offer opportunities for more personal and efficient interaction. Call your professors when you need more detailed clarification or guidance.

Increase in positive energy and interaction

Effective communication from your faculty and support members goes a long way to encourage your students. The way your members handle questions and doubts may be fun-filled or irritatingly mundane. Students prefer to study in an environment which is not only positive but also fun.

Greater student retention

Students who are about to drop out of your online course display some typical signs that are easier to understand if you have an open line of communication with them. The open line of communication may be in the form of feedback or some support conversations with your e-learners.

Higher popularity and positive feedback

Effective communication involves a basic understanding of your group of students and their mental patterns. In this aspect, online education forums are not much different from traditional teaching institutions. Understanding your group of learners and their needs is an ever-present need that you need to fulfill.

image

What Does Communication Look Like in An Online Class?

Image
Communication in an online course takes a variety of different forms. For example, communication can be a tool instructors use to establish and grow a relationship with learners. It can also take the form of course announcements and personalized messages of encouragement with learners that serve to relay information. Comm…
See more on michiganvirtual.org

What Does Engagement Look Like in An Online Class?

  • Learner engagement and communication are key elements in the National Standards for Quality Online Teaching, which describes the standard of “learner engagement” by saying: “The online teacher promotes learner success through interactions with learners and other stakeholders and by facilitating meaningful learner engagement in learning activities.” When it comes to online lea…
See more on michiganvirtual.org

How Are Communication and Engagement Related?

  • Despite the fact that online learners have agency over their course progression, instructors still have a responsibility to monitor learner progress and performance through a variety of tools. This monitoring is crucial in that it helps teachers identify learners who are progressing appropriately and those who are in need of intervention to achieve their learning goals. It is here where comm…
See more on michiganvirtual.org

Success in Online Learning Blog Series

  • In ourSuccess in Online Learning blog series, we discuss all things K-12 online learning in Michigan and across the nation. Our hope with this series is to provide a primer on K-12 online learning, cover established and emerging topics, and provide relevant research and resources. Stay up to date on future blogs in this series bysigning up for email notifications!
See more on michiganvirtual.org

About The Authors

  • Kristen DeBruler
    Dr. Kristen DeBruler received her doctorate in Educational Psychology and Educational Technology from Michigan State University. She taught in the Master of Arts in Educational Technology program at Michigan State University for three years. Her work focuses on K-12 onli…
  • Christopher Harrington
    Dr. Christopher Harrington has served public education as a teacher, an administrator, a researcher, and a consultant for more than 25 years and has experience assisting dozens of school districts across the nation in the design and implementation of blended, online, and pers…
See more on michiganvirtual.org