When entering an online classroom for the first time, both students and instructors can be quite anxious about the course that is ahead of them. Instructors are nervous about meeting new students and meeting course objectives and requirements. Students may feel unsure of what is expected and unclear regarding the grading procedures. No matter what the anxieties are when first entering the classroom, one of the most important aspects of the online classroom that can greatly ease the transition and the nerves of both instructors and students is communication.
Communicating clearly in the online classroom is vital for students from day one. Students should know it is important to print and read the course syllabus and to clearly outline assignment and discussion board deadlines and due dates. If there are questions, it is important that they ask immediately! Students should not wait until the night an assignment is due to ask a question that should have been asked at the beginning of the course – if they’d taken the time to read through the materials. Reading the materials and asking questions up front is the first start to clear communication in the online classroom.
It is also important for students to maintain a level of respect with their instructor. Perhaps a grade appears to be incorrect or the student disagrees with a correction on an assignment. I would highly suggest that students do not take a negative, harsh, or mean tone when addressing these issues. Kindness and respect goes a long way – especially in emails and online communication where there is no body language to support one’s words. Arguing with instructors usually will not get students very far. If there is a true instructor issue that needs to be address, that is the time to reach out to a student advisor or someone else within the college or university.
As an instructor, it is important to start communication in the online classroom out on the right foot by posting a thorough introduction that provides background regarding one’s teaching experience, teaching philosophies, and personal life, while relating to the students. Instructors should also respond to student introductions and be sure to make every effort to get to know their students – this is very beneficial in both traditional and online classrooms.
Instructors can also be sure to be quite visible in the classroom. Personally, I check into my classroom at least twice per day (yes, even on the weekend). This allows me to promptly respond to any questions and to maintain my presence in the classroom frequently. Posting announcements regarding everything from assignment deadlines to funny cartoons that students might enjoy also adds an element of ease to the classroom that can help maintain strong lines of communication between instructors and students.
It is also vital that instructors provide timely feedback to students regarding grades and respond to discussion boards with regularity. Most online schools have implemented policies and expectations for instructors regarding these areas of the classroom. This feedback helps students to move forward in the course and know what is expected moving forward.
Unfortunately, not all online instructors maintain open lines of communication in the online classroom. While I do not think this is the norm, it is important for both students and instructors to be sure that they are comfortable communicating electronically before agreeing to teach or take an online course.
About the Author
Jamie Weitl is a WAHM teaching for several online universities and raising three precocious little ones. In her spare time she enjoys writing, baking, and running. For more info, see my Google Plus Profile.
