A few best practices can help to engage online students.
One of the primary differences between the in-seat classroom and the online classroom is the ability to gauge student interest and respond to any problems in real time, as the problems arise. While the online environment inherently lacks some of the spontaneity and direct communication of the on-ground classroom, there are some ways that online instructors can ensure that they stay in open and honest communication with students.
Instructions
1. Communicate individually with each student. If possible, try to email each student before the class and give them basic information about the class and expectations. Try to personalize your e-mails by using each student's name and a warm, inviting tone.
2. Make expectations clear. Students might come into the class with varying levels of experience with academia. In an online classroom, it's important to lay out the expectations for writing, participation and assignment completion clearly and directly.
3. Respond quickly to any student questions. Provide an "office" area where students can ask you questions and invite questions of a personal nature by email. When students do ask questions, respond to them quickly and warmly with an invitation for follow-ups if needed.
4. Communicate frequently with the class through announcements, discussion board postings, assignment comments and email. Students need to know that you are present in the classroom, and the only way to indicate this in an online classroom is to interact frequently in writing with your students and their work. Aim to interact at least five out of seven days a week.
5. Post class assignments ahead of time. If students know what is expected of them, then they will feel less anxiety about completing the work and can schedule their workload.
Tags: each student, online classroom, students questions