Communication

Online Communication

Online learning is based primarily on written communication — the exchange of information between members of the online learning community; between instructor and student, student and instructor, and from student to student. The key component is communication, communication, communication.

Instructors of online courses use a variety of ways to communicate with students.

• On the one hand, some use asynchronous tools (you post a message to be read later) such as Bulletin Boards, Discussion / News Groups, and List servs.
• On the other hand, others use synchronous methods (several users engage in simultaneous conversation), among them, chat rooms (alamo uses DigiChat), or instant messenger types of communications .
• Some Instructors use WebCams featuring both audio and video chat.
• Textbook publishers have created a variety of Online Course delivery tools. Your Online instructor may use one of them.
  • WebConnect - Students buy a one-time license for the program. Most communication then takes place within the program: virtual chalkboard, assignments, posting papers, peer review of papers, grading papers, retrieving graded papers, and discussions. Instructors request the class setup from the publisher. Once a student is enrolled in a class, instructors enter the names and the students are given their login name, setting their own password.
  • PageOut® is another tool for custom course website development. Site development is tailored by the instructor and usage comes free of charge to students who use the selected text.
• Whatever method your online class employs, you need to master the preferred form(s) of communication and use it frequently.

There are many different types of online Discussion Boards (DB) where students and instructors can post and respond to messages. All Internet courses feature some means of exchanging information, whether a DB, a LISTSERV, or via some form of email. Whichever type your instructor uses, you will find specific information on procedures for participating on your course information Web pages. Read and follow them carefully.

The following list introduces some types of communication tools currently in use.

• What is a Discussion Board (DB) Discussion Group?
  • BbV features a DB. Your instructor may create forums for different discussion topics and post deadlines on the course calendar for discussion of a specific topic.
  • DBs provide an asynchronous means of communication.
• What is a LISTSERV© Discussion Group?
  • LISTSERV© is a system which creates, manages and controls electronic "mailing lists." These "mailing lists" are names and E-mail addresses of users who wish to receive messages on particular topic. Clients can subscribe to a list and receive all messages sent to the list by other subscribed clients. All replies to the messages will be distributed to the list.
  • Some listservs have archival and search features.
• Newsgroups provide another means of communicating online.
  • Newsgroups are designated by course subject and serve a function that corresponds closely to that of a Discussion Board.
• How do I use one of the Instant Messaging services?
  • Follow the directions provided by your instructor.

Submitting assignments for instructor and peer review is another component of online course work. Determine what method your instructor prefers. Much will depend on the type of course delivery system being utilized. Textbook publishers have created some innovative Internet course delivery tools. One of the first things you need to do upon "entering" your online classroom is determine how assignments are submitted and returned. Ask yourself:

• How are assignments to be formatted (in Word or RTF) ?
• Are assignments to be attached to an email, submitted in the WebCT assignment drop-box, or is some other method to be used?
• How will assignments be returned?
• Do I need to submit pre-stamped, self-addressed envelopes to my instructor?

Please send any questions or comments to Carol A. Keller, email, ckeller@alamo.edu
Last update August, 2009

The development of this website is made possible by an alamo Instructional Innovation Grant for Spring/Summer 2002.
© 2002 Carol A. Keller and the San Antonio College History Department. All rights reserved.