Methods for making the connection in online classrooms

Post date: Dec 01, 2018 5:36:35 PM

In my believe the simplest way to promote interaction is to enable interactive communication. This may include instant messaging or live chats. Real-time communication platform develops a sense of connectedness and control amongst the students. So whenever possible, I try both asynchronous and synchronous forms of communication with students. I encourage the learners to make the most of this interactive communication platform like Google hangout sessions and Zoom Meeting platform not just to interact with the instructor but also with their other classmates/ teammates, with regards to their project discussions or group projects. Also, I might not need to connect with everyone at once or in the same way. There will be some occasions on which I have to build individual connections with my students through direct communication. This is also a great way to check-in with one of my students who seem to remain away, missing assignments or has been having no recent activity in the eLearning course. I think the faculty should not be afraid to raise an email to their student and ask him/her if anything might be disturbing or interfering in his/her course participation.

As an educator, it is important to understand that every student should have the best learning experience that could possibly be offered in the course. To achieve this, the students must have the sense that the instructor is always ‘there’ and not ‘missing in action’.

For this, I will have to respond them in a timely manner in terms of their questions and concerns. It also means to show my presence by participating in online discussions and giving students timely feedback on their comments and work. Also, keep the course outline consistent with the received feedback and make changes to the course mid-stream to incorporate the feedback received from the student through various communication channels.

I think if any faculty wish to develop a strong connection with their students via online learning, then they must take into consideration the frequent ways of communication.