Queries & Announcements

Key points

• Establish mechanisms for frequent, timely and easy communication

• Use a variety of communication media and tools

• Enlist course TAs for implementation

Importance of frequent and timely communication in an online course

In a online course, students may have questions about the content, posted materials, platform, course policies and a variety of other issues. Responding to questions in a timely manner is particularly important in an online course, in the absence of which students might feel isolated. It's equally important to make it easy for students to post questions and voice concerns.

Similarly, it's important to provide regular announcements about upcoming topics and recap, assignments, class procedures, schedule and so on, so that students receive sufficient guidance even when they are not physically present.

How to address queries, provide feedback and communicate with students?

There are multiple strategies that instructors can use:

• Discussion forums. This is one of the most common tool in an online course. It is useful for multiple purposes, including sharing experiences, peer learning and promoting discussions.

• Repurpose everyday communication tools. Use WhatsApp groups or other social media (if comfortable), or plain old email.

• Hold weekly office hours. These can be include live video interactions using tools such as Google Hangouts or Facebook Live.

• Let the team help! Ask course TAs to monitor and address questions on a regular basis, for example, post on discussion forum once a day.

Technology tools

Below are links to some commonly used tools for communicating with students.