GAME ON CAPABILITY 1: Communication with Students

As I transitioned from being a predominantly face-to-face instructor to an all-online instructor, due to COVID-19, I discovered something profound. Here it is.

I am the same instructor in both modalities.

I care deeply about my students and their learning. The way that I deliver courses may change, but the same capabilities that make me an effective classroom instructor can and do translate into the online environment.

In moments of self-reflection, I called out three things that I do well:

• Communicate effectively with students
• Create interactive learning experiences
• Creatively present course content

The way that I deliver courses may change, but the same capabilities that make me an effective classroom instructor can and do translate into the online environment.

Communication is the topic of this article.

In this context, I define communication as the capability to keep the student informed in the learning process so that they know what to do, how to do it and what they are accomplishing.

Of course, some of the details for communication vary depending on whether the course is synchronistic or asynchronistic. Even before going online, I have my courses organized into weekly modules on a learning management system (LMS) that allows me to communicate regularly through the platform.

Consider some ideas for communication.

A general principle that I use is to communicate early, often and in multiple forms. Please understand that I am still learning.

1. Set-up a consistent week-by-week module system on the LMS so that students get used to the format of the course. Include a weekly overview that outlines the learning objectives for the week and details each of the learning assignments and activities. Depending on the course, the modules normally include course materials, activities, a series of 15-minute video lectures on the topic of the week, current events related to the topic, etc.
2. Send out a Monday announcement (make sure students are receiving the announcement in their email) briefly stating the topic for the week, why this topic matters and instructions for student requirements during the week. Normally I add a brief (3-minute) video that brings the same message to life in an audio/visual form. I want the students to read, listen and see the message.
3. Check-in mid-week with an announcement. The purpose of the announcement is to remind students of tasks to be completed, due dates/times and a tip or a piece of advice that aligns with tasks/assignment feedback process or grading rubrics.
4. Post a summary video on modules at the end of the week to emphasize key points. This video tends to be very practical. The goal is to connect what we learned that week to life beyond the classroom.
5. Review student engagement for the week. It is fantastic when the LMS allows for tracking to see what specific actions the student took within the course. Even better is when there is an ability to predict whether the student is on a path to success. If there is evidence that a student is not following the defined learning process, I send them a direct email to offer support and to be available.
6. Provide timely and helpful feedback on assignment. One of the most valued forms of communication is for timely, specific and helpful feedback on student submissions. It is work. However, it is one of the best ways to exhibit care for the student’s learning.

When students are taking online courses, especially if they attend a primarily face-to-face institution, success for some of them will call on the instructor to be active in communicating. In the end, it is up to each student to do what she/he must do. My goal is to make the path to success clear so that the student is more likely to complete their personal journey.

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Michael D. Wiese is a Professor of Marketing at Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego, CA. His teaching includes instruction at the undergraduate, masters and doctorate levels. Institutional and national teaching awards recognize his teaching quality. Known as an educational entrepreneur, Mike’s work includes starting numerous educational enterprises. Dr. Wiese’s formal education includes schooling in higher education, business and research with a Ph.D. from Loyola University of Chicago and a graduate certificate in eMarketing from the University of Virginia.