Instructor-Student Communication

Introduction

Instructor presence and consistent communication play a critical role in the success of online learning. Research shows that when instructors are actively engaged, students experience several important benefits.

Instructor presence has been shown to:

  • Provide valuable, expert guidance throughout the learning process.
  • Help students stay on track with course expectations and deadlines.
  • Increase student persistence and likelihood of completing the course.
  • Enhance students’ perceptions of their own learning.
  • Improve overall student satisfaction.

These findings highlight how meaningful interaction and visibility from the instructor can significantly shape the online learning experience (Jones et al., 2008).

A Closer Look

Creating a Welcoming Environment

Humanizing a course can help students feel more comfortable and invested in the learning process. There are several simple things instructors can do to greet their students online and create a welcoming environment in the course. These include:

  • Providing an introductory video or audio welcome
  • Sending a welcome email or posting an online announcement
  • Conducting a synchronous online meeting
  • Creating an online class lounge or discussion forum

At the beginning of the course, you can set clear expectations for student communications. How you model your own communications will guide students in their communications with you and each other as well.

Choosing Appropriate Communication Methods

Online instructors communicate a variety of different types of information to their students. It is important to select the right communication mode for the information being conveyed.

Course Logistics Communication

  • Course homepage
  • Class email
  • Discussion board
  • Course overview video
  • Online announcements
  • Course calendar

Content Communication

  • Lecture videos
  • Podcasts
  • Readings
  • Interactive modules
  • Assignments
  • Activities
  • Live webcasts

Content Questions

  • Individual student emails
  • Class emails
  • Live webcasts
  • Discussion boards
  • Online office hours
  • Video message to class
  • Video lecture tagging

Student Feedback

  • Graded assignments and exams
  • Embedded questions in lectures
  • Individual emails
  • Discussion board posts
  • Peer assessment

Communicate Regularly

Students benefit from regular communication and timely feedback on their progress throughout a course. In fact, regular communication is so important that online courses require proof of “regular and substantive” teacher-to-student interaction to qualify for federal student financial aid.

Tip: Continual Improvements in Communication

When offering your online course for the first time, keep track of the questions students have about the course. This can help you improve your course and streamline your communication in future offerings by anticipating and addressing questions early on.

Additional Resources

Reference

  • Jones, P., Kolloff, M., & Kolloff, F. (2008). Students’ perspectives on humanizing and establishing teacher presence in an online course. In K. McFerrin et al. (Eds.), Proceedings of Society for Information Technology and Teacher Education International Conference 2008 (pp. 460-465). Chesapeake, VA: AACE.