Communication Strategies and Tools

Stephanie RichterInstructional Technologies Coordinator

Communication Model

Learners

Instructor Content

Types of Communication

Synchronous• Occurs in real time• Spontaneous• Immediate feedback• Quick and active• Useful for conversation with

quick responses

Asynchronous• Send and receive separated

by time delay• More flexible, bridges time

and geography• Messages are more

deliberate• Gives all participants a voice

© Librarian in Black © john_a_ward

Choosing Tools

General Tips

• Choose tools that solve problems/meet needs• Provide multiple ways for students to contact

you (phone, email, virtual office hours, etc.)• Set clear expectations for all communication• Communicate early and often• Create two discussion forums– Ask questions– Off-topic conversations

Managing Email

• Set (and enforce) clear expectations– Subject line– Language– Response time

• Use GroupWise Rules to sort course-related email into a folder

• Have students post general questions to a discussion forum

Communication Tools

• Webconferencing (Blackboard Collaborate/ Wimba, etc.)

• Blogs• Discussion Board (Blackboard)• Groups (Blackboard)• Text messaging• Twitter

Technology Summaries

• Features• Limitations• Examples of use in your courses

Communication Plan

• How will you communicate:– Reminders?– Clarifications?– Feedback?

• How will students:– Ask questions?– Submit assignments?

Summary

• Communication is essential in an online course• Communication can be synchronous or

asynchronous– Most courses will require a combination

• There are a lot of communication tools – Stay current:

• Follow Educause• Reading journals on technology in higher education• Subscribe to a blog

– Every tool you use has to serve a purpose