Last year, education world-wide underwent a profound transformation. Online learning has changed the traditional setting rapidly at a pace that was previously unthinkable. One of the challenges of taking online courses is that much of the learning takes place asynchronously and that students often feel disconnected from their teachers and peers.

A recent study found that students don't prefer online classes due to a diminished level of communication between them and their teachers. Additionally, there are issues with cultivating positive student-teacher relationships when students and teachers are separated. For online learning to be successful, it must enable student-instructor communication and interaction.

In an online setting, there is less body language to guide the conversation, so it requires a bit more planning and thought than it does in a classroom. It's not always easy to communicate relevantly and effectively with your students.

Here are some basic guidelines that can help you achieve good results:

1. Less is more: When possible, use fewer words. Most of the information online students are exposed to consists of text, so they do not want to read another long message.
2. Be concise and clear: The message should be concise and clear, leaving no room for misunderstanding. If you want your students to know that a test deadline has been extended, for example, your message should mention only that.
3. Remember to be polite: Take a moment to re-read what you wrote. Check the tone of the communication as well as the clarity and completeness of the text. If you want your students to know that you receive their questions well, you should make your messages professional and enjoyable.
4. Feedback is essential: Since students are learning from a distance, it is essential that they receive regular feedback about their progress. The most useful way to answer a question about a task is to first offer your own personal answer. Then, you can introduce the question to the class if you think it is important to everyone.
5. Get Opinions: Asking your students for their opinions adds another personal touch to your communication, which helps to bond with them. This feedback is of great value to help improve the content of your courses in the future, as it will make them feel important and a part of something.

Your first priority as a teacher should be finding the best method of communication with your students. It is challenging for both new and experienced teachers to keep their students engaged in virtual classes. The best solution is to constantly upgrade your skills as a teacher by attending workshops and courses.

You can get your students hooked to your classes by attending our 'Dynamics of Communication' workshop! This two hour workshop is designed to give Pre-primary, Primary, and High School Teachers a deeper insight into their most critical tool.

Register for the workshop here