Communication
In an online learning environment instructors and students don't have all the non-verbal cues that exist in a traditional classroom setting. Words on the screen help instructor and students *see* each other much more clearly. Also, an instructor's role will be much less that of the distributor of information, and much more that of a guide or resource for students in exploring an area of knowledge.
The teaching style used in online courses may be more collaborative and interactive than the traditional lecture model. What does this mean for students? Taking a class online means students won't be sitting quietly in the back rows of a classroom; participation is essential for everyone involved.
As always, effective communication is critical to success. It's even more important in the online environment because an instructor can't see students smile or frown, or hear the inflections in their voices. Students are responsible for initiating more contact, for being persistent and "vocal" when they don't understand something. Students should ask their instructor or poll their peers about anything and everything that has to do with course content, course procedure and evaluation.
Basic Suggestions
The instructor of an online course plays an important role, but this is a different role than most instructors play in the classroom. The role of students in online courses is also different than in a traditional classroom setting. However, some things don't change: the practices of courtesy and respect that apply in the traditional classroom also apply online.
Here are some guidelines:
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Participate. In the online environment, it's not enough to show up! Instructors need to "hear" students' voices to feel their presence, and they especially need student comments to evaluate their own performance as a facilitator and teacher.
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Be persistent. If students run into any difficulties, they should not wait to submit a report! Call or send a note immediately to the instructor and/or the help desk support. Document what went wrong so that the technical staff can try to replicate and solve the problem.
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Share tips, helps, and questions. For many of us, taking online courses is a new experience. There are no dumb questions, and even if a solution seems obvious, please share it with classmates!
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Think twice before pushing the Send button. Both students and instructors need to be sure to say just what they meant. How will the person on the other end interpret a message? While no one can anticipate all reactions, read over each message before sending.
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Remember that we can't see the grins on each others' faces. When students or instructors make a sarcastic comment, others online can't decipher if the person is serious or not. Also, when text messenging, remember that some people may not be familiar with typing shortcuts and abbreviations. Explain ideas fully and clearly.
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Remember that there's a person on the other side. Students should ask for feedback if they're not sure how their ideas and comments were construed. If others disagree with what someone has said, "flaming," or ranting at someone else is unacceptable; it's the equivalent of having a tantrum, something most of us wouldn't do in a traditional classroom setting.
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Stalking and derogatory comments are inappropriate. Stalking someone, or any derogatory or inappropriate comments, jokes, and forwarded emails regarding race, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, are unacceptable and subject to the same disciplinary action that they would receive if they occurred in the physical classroom. If students have concerns about something that has been said to or about themselves or other classmates, they should let the instructor know.
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Plagiarism, cheating, and other violations are inappropriate. Plagiarism, cheating, and other violations of ethical student behavior are serious actions in a learning community. Just like derogatory comments, this behavior is subject to the same disciplinary action that they would receive if the behavior occurred in the physical classroom.
Code of Conduct
Electronic communications conducted in the course of a class are "public" communications in the same way that classroom exchanges are public. The instructor and other students are bound by the same principles of respect, professionalism, and concern, as in any interaction in one of the University's classrooms or offices. If a student feels that these principles have been compromised in some way, the student should discuss this directly with the instructor.