Tips For Online Communication

__________________________Quick Reference Guide

Tips for Online Communications The objective of a “discussion assignments” is for the student to actually discuss his/her understanding of a particular topic. Online learning is especially powerful when students engage one another in discussion about the content of their courses. The way one student understand a topic may differ from the way others understand the same topic. This variation understanding depends on personal context, and when it is shared, everyone learns more about the content than they do when simply reading and studying alone. In the NCVPS, students have five means of communicating with instructors and fellow students: • Blackboard Messaging and Email • Wimba Classroom and Pronto Instant Messaging • Personal Email • Discussion Forums • Web 2.0 Tools

Blackboard Email Blackboard has an internal messaging and email system. This will be the student’s primary means of communication with an instructor. Personal email only be used an a secondary mean of communication. When sending an email to the instructor, make sure to consider the following: 1.

Clearly state the nature of the message in the subject line of the email. Some instructors have full-time teaching jobs and are unable to communicate with NCVPS students during school hours. However, when they do get a chance to read their email, they can manage their time more effectively if they know the nature of your message without having to open the message. The following are email “subject line codes” suggested for use when communicating with the instructor: •

EMERGENCY: An emergency means there is a problem, but the NCVPS DLA cannot help and it needs to be solved before the end of the school day. True emergencies are situations like a death or family illness that will prevent the student from completing an assignment or taking a test. Questions about assignments, due dates or tests do NOT constitute emergencies.

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NOTE: Remember the story about the little boy who “cried wolf.” If you abuse the excuse of an “emergency” your teacher may not recognize that you truly do need immediate assistance. •

HOMEWORK QUESTION: (self-explanatory)

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CLARIFICATION: The student uses this code when he/she needs a clearer explanation of course content or assignments. Students are also encouraged to post questions to the discussion forum allowing other students to discuss or assist.

2. Students who email instructor(s) between Monday and Thursday can typically expect a response within 24 hours. 3. Students who email between Friday and Sunday can expect a response before 8 AM on Monday. 4. Also, refer to the “netiquette” explanation in the “Discipline” section to be advised on appropriate conduct for email communication.

Wimba Classroom and Pronto Instant Messaging Wimba is the live classroom that NCVPS uses in its Blackboard courses. You will need to go through a setup the first time you use it. Pronto is Wimba’s instant messaging program. You will need to download this program from your Blackboard course.

Personal Email NCVPS students are required to have an email account. The personal email account is used as a backup to the Blackboard messaging and email system. If the Blackboard website is down or if the student’s password does not work, the student can use his or her personal email to contact the instructor. NOTE: The student’s email account name must be chosen with good judgment. The Distance Learning Advisor (DLA) has discretion to ask the student to change his/her email address name if it is deemed inappropriate.

Discussion Forums Discussion forums (also called threaded discussions) are another commonly used communication tool. Discussion forums, like email, are asynchronous forms of communication. This means that everyone is working on different schedules. Immediate responses can be expected from either email or discussion forums. Here are some tips for the effective use of threaded discussions: 0 1 There are two ways to participate in a discussion on Blackboard: • From the actual discussion assignment page, click on “Join Discussion”

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Go directly to the CourseRoom in Blackboard to start a new discussion or to join an existing discussion. The only time a student should start a discussion is when introducing an altogether new topic or when a question needs to be answered. NOTE: Students should never start a discussion as part of participation in an assigned topic. If a student starts a new discussion rather than participating in the thread begun by the instructor, credit may not be granted for participation.

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Be descriptive when naming contributions to a discussion. The document title (the area where a discussion submission is described) is what other students use to decide if they want to read or participate in the discussion. Be descriptive and creative. The purpose of discussion assignments is for students to exchange thoughts on a topic and to learn from one another. NOTE: Do not confuse “email responses” to instructors with “discussion forum” participation. •

An email response to the instructor typically notates answering a homework question.

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Students participate in class by responding to discussion threads started by the instructor. Therefore, no email responses to a threaded discussion will be accepted.

Class Discussion Community The purpose of the threaded discussion area is to help students synthesize ideas about course topics and carry out group work collaboratively. The following is a list of tips for posting to the Class Discussion Community: 1. Keep messages related to topics that are pertinent to course topics. 2. Make sure your response is thoughtful. Responses of “I agree” add nothing to the content of the discussion. Mention why you agree, refer to other points raised and try to put your response in context. 3. Do not post virus warnings, spam or chain email messages. 4. Keep criticism constructive. Discussion forums are a good place to debate issues, but keep the focus on the issues. Never attack anyone personally. 5. Remain respectful when you disagree with someone or are angry with another student or teacher. Do not EVER use flames or insults. Flames and insults, on- or off-line, WILL NOT BE TOLERATED. NOTE: Bold or capitalized words and sentences in posts are typically interpreted as strong emphasis of a point, whereas an entire message in all-caps is typically interpreted as anger or abuse. 6. Use Emoticons (http://www.smileydictionary.com/search.asp) to convey feelings.

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7. Re-read messages before posting them, and if anything critical is directed toward an individual, please send it privately as an email, or consider not sending it at all. Students are highly accountable for proper “netiquette.” 8. Post news about upcoming meetings or events related to course topics or assignments that may be of interest to other students. 9. Notify class members and the instructor when you expect to be away from class for more than a day. 10. Please remember that email and threaded discussions are an imperfect means of expression. If a comment seems insulting to you, try to approach it from the perspective that perhaps the insult was not intended. NOTE: Please familiarize yourself with these guidelines and keep a copy of these procedures for reference as needed.

Constructive Debate Discussions will not be effective without some degree of debate or disagreement. In responding to something you disagree with, it is essential that you are specific in what you want to respond to. Example: I thought what you said about Ahab’s obsession in Moby Dick was valid. However, I do not think he was crazy… Notice how the example cites the post, and then focuses the response on a particular point within the post. In your online course environment, your classmates won’t necessarily be able to reference the portion of a post you are responding to. So be sure to restate what you are responding to in order to give context to your contribution.

Web 2.0 Tools NCVPS teachers will also introduce their students to various Web 2.0 tools as they become available.

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