As described in this module, regular and effective communication between the instructor and students is essential to support students’ sense of connection to the course and thus completion of the learning activities. Based on your survey results, you will know if you need to share announcements, posts, and emails sent via your LMS to students via email or text.

It will be very helpful to create a spreadsheet with a list of your students and to note those students who need you to send out course communications via alternate methods. Design your communication plan with all your students in mind using the LMS, institutional email, and texting apps like GroupMe.

This module has a learning activity requiring you to create a synchronous video conference opportunity for your students. Given that some of your students may not be able to take advantage of this opportunity, you may want to try using the synchronous chat room tool in the LMS if all your students can access the LMS. Alternatively, you could host a video conference for students who can participate and other students can call in via phone to listen to the conversation. If you will be using slides, you could share them with the class beforehand via email or text so that students can follow along. It will be helpful if you number your slides and remember to announce the slide number each time you advance your slides.

Given the monumental changes and stresses that many students are experiencing at this time, it is especially helpful to increase your outreach to students to

• Remind students that you are there for them – offer help

• Encourage students to complete their work (growth mindset, purpose)

• Share the adjustments you’ve had to make (we’re all in this together, social belonging)

• Ask students how they are doing (we’re all in this together, social belonging)

• Share Student Health Resources with students.

  • Remind them about the Telehealth options available.

  • Find the student resource page for your campus and share it with students.

It is also helpful to provide students with a way to connect with each other to share their stories and offer each other support and encouragement. This is a great time to encourage the use of a growth mindset: Remind students that with hard work, your guidance, and their persistence, they can be successful in this course. See more on helping your students to develop a Growth Mindset to help them develop a sense of purpose and social belonging.