When communicating online, you need to know how to express your thoughts and ideas clearly in writing, how to use formal grammar and spelling, and how to use the various online communication tools available at your institution. You’ll also need to be aware of how often you’re expected to communicate in class, and learn how to decide which communication tool (e.g. discussion board versus email) to use for different tasks (e.g. asking general questions versus ones about your own work) is most appropriate.
Expressing Yourself
As an online student, communication is a little different than in a traditional, face-to-face classroom. While there will be ample opportunities for social interaction, the majority of your communications with your instructors and your peers will take place as written text, without the usual non-verbals (facial expressions, body gestures, tone, etc.) most of us rely on to enhance our discussions. With this in mind, you’ll need to understand some basic rules for good online etiquette.
- Respect others and their opinions. Respect the feelings and opinions of your peers even though they may differ from your own. Don’t assume that everyone shares the same views, opinions, or backgrounds.
- Consider others’ privacy. Sharing others’ personal information without their permission is a no-no. This applies to private messages shared with you or individually or within a group. If you like what someone has to say and want to share it, ask first.
- Avoid inappropriate material. Don’t post or share (even privately) inappropriate material, instant message language, emoticons, chain letters, jokes, etc. Just don’t.
- Be seen as a professional. When communicating with your instructor and classmates make sure you keep it professional. This is especially important when you meet synchronously (i.e. using a webcam and microphone). Make sure you are dressed appropriately, not lying on your bed or driving down the road, and make sure there is nothing going on in the background that would interfere with your ability or the ability of your instructor or peers to participate.
- Pick the right tone. Language can be easily misinterpreted in written communication. This goes for sarcasm and humor. Instead, keep your conversations straightforward and professional.
- Unlock the Caps. Typing words in all caps that are not titles or headings is the equivalent of yelling. DON’T YELL! It’s not nice.
- Speling and, grammor; cownt. Avoid social media slang and texting lingo. Don’t abbreviate words, use phrases such as LOL and BRB, or use emoji and emoticons. Be sure you use proper grammar and spelling, write in complete sentences, put borrowed sentences in quotation marks, and identify your sources. Unless your instructor tells you otherwise, all class communication, even instant messaging (IM), should be regarded as formal—correct spelling and punctuation apply.
- Cite your sources. When responding to others, make sure your comment or response is accurate. Don’t just guess or make things up. And if you’re sharing someone else’s thoughts, be sure to give credit where credit is due.
- Brevity is best. It’s unlikely that anyone will take the time to read through your tome when your response could’ve been more succinct. Stick to the point and avoid tangents.
- Read first, write later. Before you write a response to a post, go ahead and read all the responses, including your instructor’s, to avoid repeating comments or asking questions that have already been addressed.
- Read twice, send once. If you’ve ever sent an email or text message that you wish you could’ve taken back, you’ll know the importance of this one. Read your post, email, or message at least twice before you hit the Send button to make sure it says what you intended it to say.
- Be involved. Your contributions help your classmates as much as they help you. In an online classroom you’ll need to speak up, ask questions, and share your thoughts. If you’re thinking, “Eh, not me,” think again. Some instructors make communication a requirement; your skills and frequency of interaction may be a portion of your overall grade.
- Be forgiving. If a classmate breaks the rules for good online etiquette, let your instructor know, and let them handle the situation.
“I work a full-time job and have a family. An online program was the only way that I would be able to complete my degree. I expected it to be challenging, and at times, it has been. The support that I have received has been amazing. I actually feel much more connected than I thought I would.”
Communication Tools
Generally speaking, if you have a question that the whole class needs an answer to, use a group communication tool, like a discussion board dedicated to whole class discussion, or send a group email. If it’s personal–about your own work or grades, for example–send a one-on-one email to your instructor. With this in mind, have a look at some of the more common ways to communicate with your online instructor and peers.
This is the most common way to communicate with your online instructor and classmates. Check your email regularly, or you may miss something. For each of your classes, check your syllabus to find out how quickly your instructor will respond to emails. Is it within the day? Two days? Three days? Be advised—your instructor may expect the same response time from you. Make sure you respond as quickly as your instructor expects.
Phone
Yes, it’s old-school. But if your instructor posts a phone number and you have a complicated question about your own work or grades, a phone conversation may be the way to go. Just be sure that if you call your instructor, you do so according to the times posted in their syllabus. Upside: phone calls may be the most efficient way to talk through a complicated issue. Downside: there’s no permanent record. If you want to be sure you get an instructor’s answer for reference later, use a method that gets it in writing. Or, write a follow-up email after your phone conversation, restating the important points, and asking the instructor to confirm your notes as accurate.
Instant Message (IM)
This is a type of online chat with one or more people that takes place at the same time (or, as some say, “synchronously” or “in real time”). From Google Hangouts to Yahoo Messenger, there are plenty of instant messaging clients to choose from for your desktop, laptop, and mobile devices. To make things even easier, sometimes your Learning Management System (LMS) has a chat client built right in!
Skype, Google Hangouts, and other online meeting tools
Occasionally you may need to meet synchronously with your entire class, a small group of your peers, or just with your instructor. These real-time meetings usually require audio and or/video from all participants. Depending on the meeting’s requirements, you may need to use a program such as Skype or Google Hangouts. Some university campuses use more robust tools such as WebEx, GoToMeeting, Blackboard Collaborate, Zoom, or Adobe Connect. Whether you’re meeting with your instructor or with your classmates, be sure that everyone tests their equipment ahead of time, and everyone knows what time (and in what time zone) a meeting is taking place.
Discussion Board
Depending on the learning management system (Blackboard, Canvas, Moodle, Sakai, etc.), an online course will employ a discussion board where instructors and students can start and contribute to discussion topics. Often you will be asked to post and reply to peers by sharing typed comments, but your instructors might encourage you to share your thoughts via audio or video, too.
ACTIVITY: Communicating in an Online Classroom
Knowing how to respond in certain online situations is important. The following activity introduces you to a fictitious student named Chuck who is seeking your advice on how to handle different situations as he completes his online class.