Communicating with students is a crucial task when teaching virtually. When you are working in a virtual setting, proactively communicating with students each week helps to engage your students.
What is Proactive Communication?
- Based on the student journey --> we know their needs throughout their work in the course
- Communicate with students about their journey BEFORE they ask questions or hit stumbling blocks.
- Intentional in nature (relevant to the student)
Understand
Student Journey
Ask yourself:
- What do students need to get started in the course?
- What do students need to know in order to get help?
- What do students need to do to bring up their grades?
- What do students need to stay on track and finish on time?
- From the start of the class to the end, what are students going to be doing? How can I proactively provide information they need?
Anticipate
Student Needs
- Small chunks of information – short and concise information so students are more likely to absorb the message
- Information at JUST the right time – sending timely feedback
- To understand what is coming next – what am I going to learn next?
Personalize
Student Specific
Students need specific communication:
- To feel connected to their teacher
- Information that is relevant to them
- Praise and encouragement - that is connected explicitly to the work they are completing