As in any educational setting, communication is essential in an online or blended environment. There are many ways to communicate when Teaching and Learning Online. Communication starts at the beginning of the class with clear expectations and guidelines around teacher availability, anticipated response time, class schedules, methods of communication, etc.

A variety of communication technologies exist that permit increased access to teachers, and in many cases, help to forge a personal and meaningful relationship between the teacher and the student. Students are more likely to express themselves in a virtual setting or written format, especially if those students are shy or not inclined to ask questions or challenge their teacher in a traditional setting.

​Online communication is rich and rewarding, and can also carry the sense of anonymity and protection for students who would otherwise remain closed off from teacher interaction.

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Highlights
for online
communication

Critical Tips

• Communication needs to be clear, concise and consistent.
• Text needs to be clear, easy to read, and easy to translate.
• ​Response to discussion communication needs to be timely (i.e. within 24 business hours) as students can stall in their course progression as they await teacher assistance.
• Small interactions in online communication (i.e. telling students your pronouns and asking theirs, asking about events they mention) build relationships online.

​Great Resources

• 3 Ways to use Video Conferencing with Students (Catlin Tucker, 2020)
• Tips for Communicating with Parents Using Email (blog post 2017)
• Can You Hear Me Now? The fun and functionality of online video conferencing. (TALO blog, 2020)
• PROMOTE CRITICAL THINKING WITH VIRTUAL REALITY DISCUSSION PROMPTS
  
• Promote Critical Thinking with Discussion Prompts (Monica Burns, 2022)

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​Synchronous Tools

Video Conferencing

• Groups of participants can share voice and video from one location to another
• Can also be used to bring an expert into the class, or to bring the class to another place

 
Google Meet

• Like other web-conferencing programs, Google Meet allows participants to communicate in real-time
• Allows for voice, video and application sharing

Skype

• VOIP (Voice over IP) technology to make audio-only "phonecalls" or visual "videocalls" across the street or across the globe
• Real-time two-way communication

Phone Calls

• Do not underestimate the power of picking up the phone and talking to a student and their family
• There are services and techniques you can use to block your personal cell phone or home phone number.

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​Asynchronous Tools

Email

• One-to-one communication tool
• Institutional-provided, web-based, integrated into a LMS

Discussions

• Message boards where students and teachers can communicate and collaborate
• Open to all users, or to a select group

 

Social Networking

• Tools like Twitter and Facebook allow individuals to connect and interact with each other in a virtual way
• Teachers need to be very cautious when using these tools, and ensure they are respecting the regulations in their own jurisdiction

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 Research & References

ResearchBarbour, M. and Plough, C. (2009). Social networking in cyberschooling: Helping to make online learning less isolating. Tech Trends, Volume 53 (No. 4). Retrieved from: http://www.springerlink.com/content/n8m1101601628870/fulltext.pdf

Kuhlmann, T. (2010). The rapid elearning blog. Retrieved from: http://www.articulate.com/rapid-elearning/

Yu, S. W. (2009). The impact of online discussion on face-to-face discussion and academic achievement. American Secondary Education, 37, 4-25.

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blog posts related to: communication

• https://www.talok12.com/blog/effective-online-communication