STUDENT-FACULTY COMMUNICATION

I consider communication and interaction between student and instructor crucially important in an online course. The very first thing I tell my students in the syllabus is that they can expect a great deal more interaction between instructor and students in this course than in other online courses. Students can contact me in seven different ways as described in the syllabus. These are the following:

1. Blackboard’s Questions and Comments section on the Discussion Board
2. WKU’s email
3. Telephone conferences
4. Course wiki, especially before the course start and students may not have access to blackboard or in case the system is down
5. Video chat using Skype
6. Instant messaging using Yahoo Messenger
7. The instructor’s Facebook page, by writing on her wall.

Following the list of contact options, there is a section in my syllabus entitled “The Importance of Effective Communication” reminding students that regular, effective communication will have a positive impact on their performance. I have also included a table summarizing the methods of communication.

Students responded favorably when I provided the following opportunities for communication:

1. I start communication with students weeks before the course actually starts, giving them information about what they need to do before the course starts and how best to prepare their Advanced Composition Course. Here is a copy of the Welcome Email.

2. At the beginning of the semester, I create a forum on the Discussion Board called "Why I Am Concerned About This Course?" so that I can reassure students that the course is do-able and that I will be there to assist them throughout the course. They need to hear that I will not disappear after introducing the course in the first three weeks.

3. If I notice that a student has not posted an assignment for over a week, I email him/her. Here is an example of Contacting Students Via Email.

4. Students enjoy telephone conferences. I five-minute conversation can clear up a frustration and misunderstanding. Students request phone conferences under the appropriate Discussion Board forum.

5. Skype can be used to hold virtual office hours.

STUDENT-STUDENT COMMUNICATION

1. Student get extra credit if they meet in person during the first 10 days of class provided it is physically possible. If not, I suggest a conference call using their regular phone or Skype.

2. On BB’s Discussion Board, I create a forum called Cybercafe where students can socialize, make friends with group members and other classmates and discuss whatever they like including both course-related and other issues.

3. Students work in groups during the semester. I encourage group members to exchange email addresses, phone numbers and other contact information so that they can rely on each other when completing assignments or dealing with technology issues.

4. If students respond to their peer’s questions on the Questions and Comments forum, they get extra credit. I praise them if they help one another with information and show collegiality and professionalism.