Teaching online is about *communication* at least as much as it is about content, tools or methods. While we're busy designing online courses, we tend to take communication for granted. But unlike f2f, online we need to deliberately plan our communication strategy. Some ideas. 1/
Our communication channels with students are essential in an online course. In fact they can be seen as the glue that gives the learning experience meaning & coherence. Find your voice, be as authentic as possible and open to dialogue. Knowing your students will help. 2/
Decide what channels you want to use (if you can offer a variety of methods, do it!) and make it clear early on to your students. Try to provide information in various formats and in different spaces, it will help you reach out to more of your students. 3/
Let's talk about the VLE. I know most of us don't find it to be an ideal learning space. But we have to work with what we have and with a bit of effort & imagination we can make it work. Think: communication channel, learning path, interaction platform and community space. 4/
Clear and explicit language in all the course sections is as important as the content of the course. Practice writing instructional text; it won't come easy first and you'll see that it requires you to be very clear about what you want students to do. This is what they need. 5/
Create routines to provide structure & scaffolding for your students. Send announcements or start activities on the same day each week, provide feedback within a cetrain time span, etc. These patterns support students more than we can imagine and also benefit our own planning. 6/
Announcements. Now I know this sounds very artificial, a bit like broadcasting; definitely not as natural as in the classroom. But they are very important to convey teacher presence & support the narrative of your course. Make them visible on the front page of your VLE. 7/
When you are not sure if things are clear, rather communicate *more*. Repeating won't harm, as things often get lost in the virtual space. Send reminders, do regular check-ins. Remember to put all those in your calendar. We are all developing new routines, so be kind! 8/
By managing students' expectations you will get them on your side and the chances of a community emerging are higher. If people tell you this is impossible online, don't believe them! You can do it, and in the process you'll become a better communicator. No harm in that :) end/
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