Electronic Communication

    I’ve taken a few different online courses over the years, and all of them used a central portal, like Blackboard, Google Classroom, or Canvas, which offer a few ways to communicate with classmates remotely. Classes can make use of discussion boards, email, or synchronous remote communication, like Zoom, Google Meet, or WhatsApp; they all offer something a little different in terms of engagement, convenience, and learning efficacy. 

    The majority of classwork in my online classes have been in a discussion format: one student creates a post of some kind and other students comment on it. There are a lot of benefits to that format, particularly logistic flexibility. Most of us who are in online courses are working full time, caring for families, or are busy in some way - it’s generally why the online format is sought out. Discussion boards make it easy for everyone to engage at their own pace. You can take time between reading and responding, whether that’s time to think through your response or time that your attention is pulled elsewhere. However, that flexibility of time can create the sense that you aren’t truly talking to anyone, but rather putting your thoughts out into the ether and seeing if anyone engages. Sometimes it works, sometimes you’re left unanswered. 

    Email is useful for 1-1 communication, but it isn’t super conducive to learning. It’s a good tool for asking questions you don’t feel comfortable posting publicly, or perhaps seeking clarification on an assignment, but it’s often slow, and it doesn’t create the feeling of being part of a class. If the goal is to recreate a classroom, email doesn’t do that. 

    Synchronous remote communication is great for learning. It builds community and offers real-time engagement, most closely resembling a traditional classroom. However it is not without its downsides. Technology can be difficult; not all students are working with the same comfort level or tech savviness, and no matter how comfortable you are with it, technical issues arise. Live online sessions are also difficult to schedule and accommodate all parties while sticking to a deadline. And truthfully, they can be really awkward when you don’t know the other participants. 

    Ultimately, I don’t think there is any one best form of communication. Using all of them in some capacity would be most effective in creating a positive, communal, and engaged online classroom.