Engagement & Interaction
Provide students opportunities to interact with the course material, with you as the instructor, and with their classmates.
The WRITE Way to Communicate Online
Adapted from: Lewis, C., (2000). "Taming the Lions and Tigers and Bears: The WRITE WAY to Communicate Online." in K. Anderson & B. Weight (Eds.)
Welcoming
Be welcoming online. This is an inclusive way to get others to realize people are communicating with each other, not software.
Responsive
Return messages as soon as possible. Everyone will feel valued when communication is prioritized.
Inquisitive
Ask questions. Learning is increased and defensiveness reduced if we get clarification by asking questions.
Tentative
Consider framing your question tentatively to reduce defensiveness and as a way to introduce a new idea (e.g. "Would you consider these points...")
Empathetic
Put yourself in the shoes of your audience. Build relationships and learn new perspectives.