Communicate 2.1.2 Communication Guidelines

When working or participating in an online program, communication is absolutely imperative.  Without the appropriate amount of communication students fall behind and parents are left in the dark.  There are a few guidelines that are generally followed when communicating to your students in an online program.

• Welcome Email - In a welcome email it is important to introduce yourself and the online instructor.  Be enthusiastic about the semester, share tips for getting started and more.  Some instructors like to send out a welcome newsletter that gives more specifics about the instructor and the class.  Also, give some information about when you will be calling home to check in and see if they have any questions.

• Personal Notes versus Mass Communication - Everyone wants to be treated as an individual.  My desire is to always send personal notes, but this can become very time consuming when serving a large number of students.  I do try to send out personal notes when a student seems to be struggling in class and needs some tips on things to do to improve.  I also try to send personal notes when a student does something well, like score a high grade on a test.  I use mass communication when I am sending out general class reminders, tips, or general information.  

• School Policies - Some teachers really like to stick to the policy that all email communication be done through the GAVS secure email accounts.  Another important policy to is to always log any type of communication, whether it is personal notes or mass communication.  

• Tools Available for Effective Communication - One popular tool that is used for communication is Smore.  This makes the information more interesting and easier to read.  I also like to use Remin101 in my classes.  This is an instant reminder for the students that they receive on their phone like any other text message.  

Sometimes it is hard to find the right balance in communication.  And it also differs from student to student.  Some students/parents don't want an email unless the student is failing.  While others want an email every other day just to check in on things and how the class is progressing.