It is very important to build positive rapport and relationships with students in any academic setting. This contributes to a sense of community. I find that when students are learning in an optimal environment, they feel connected, comfortable, and motivated. To create a sense of community in an online environment, I would employ a variety of strategies with my online learners.
First, I would develop a trusting relationship with students and parents with regular phone calls, emails, etc. This promotes positive relationships and increases approachability as an instructor. As in my own face-to-face classroom, I want to be nurturing and inviting, not intimidating. This ensures clear communication, setting up the stage for them meeting and exceeding the high expectations I have for them as learners. Another strategy that I would employ is really getting to know my students to provide them with the motivation and encouragement they need to perform at their optimum level. You cannot give stickers, trips to the “treasure box”, or any other “treat” to students in an online environment. Incentives like this provide motivation in my classroom. Motivation in an online environment needs to come from within, so I would need to develop a strong relationship with students so that they can connect with me as an instructor and trust in my leadership. Next, I would be mindful of my feedback that I provide to students. I would provide thought-provoking comments in feedback to help elicit critical thinking, and also show that I am actively a component in their learning as opposed to just someone in charge of the grades for online forum posts. Finally, I would provide opportunities for students to interact with each other. This is so important! I would structure the course to include group activities and chats, which promotes peer collaboration and naturally increases communication skills. I would embed opportunities for students to ‘teach’ content to one another and think-pair-share, as I do in my traditional classroom setting. I would make it my focus to personalize online courses to the best of my ability.
First, I would develop a trusting relationship with students and parents with regular phone calls, emails, etc. This promotes positive relationships and increases approachability as an instructor. As in my own face-to-face classroom, I want to be nurturing and inviting, not intimidating. This ensures clear communication, setting up the stage for them meeting and exceeding the high expectations I have for them as learners. Another strategy that I would employ is really getting to know my students to provide them with the motivation and encouragement they need to perform at their optimum level. You cannot give stickers, trips to the “treasure box”, or any other “treat” to students in an online environment. Incentives like this provide motivation in my classroom. Motivation in an online environment needs to come from within, so I would need to develop a strong relationship with students so that they can connect with me as an instructor and trust in my leadership. Next, I would be mindful of my feedback that I provide to students. I would provide thought-provoking comments in feedback to help elicit critical thinking, and also show that I am actively a component in their learning as opposed to just someone in charge of the grades for online forum posts. Finally, I would provide opportunities for students to interact with each other. This is so important! I would structure the course to include group activities and chats, which promotes peer collaboration and naturally increases communication skills. I would embed opportunities for students to ‘teach’ content to one another and think-pair-share, as I do in my traditional classroom setting. I would make it my focus to personalize online courses to the best of my ability.