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Communication Guidelines and Policies

Communication Standards

• Clear standards are set for instructor responsiveness and availability (turn‐around time for email, grade posting, etc.)
• The requirements for student interaction are clearly articulated

Strategies and Ideas

I think it is important to communicate with students at various times throught the semester. For example, I would plan to send out weekly announcements reminding students of the upcoming week's requirements and give my thoughts on the prior week in terms of participation, as well as any other information I feel might be important. I have had many instructors who do this and I feel that it is a very effective method of communication, especially in terms of reminders. I also plan to communicate with students individually as needed. There will also be a form provided on the contact page of my class website that students can use to contact me.

Like many of my own instructors have done, I will provide discussion areas for student questions pertaining to assignments or technical issues. I feel that this is a very helpful method of communication, not only for the students, but for the instructor as well. If questions are posted in these particular discussion areas, not only will I provide and answer, I will also encourage students (where knowledgable) to answer the questions of their peers. When questions are posted and answered in these discussion threads, they not only help the one asking the question, they also help others in the class who may have the same question. Also, it saves time for the instructor because it can eliminate him or her from having to answer the same questions numerous times. It also gives classmates the opportunity to help one another, as well as the instructor.

My communication policy would be included on my class website as a stand alone document. It would look something like that which follows:

I can be reached by email using my contact information shown above, the email system within my class website portals, or the email contact form located on all my class websites.

I check email each morning M-F and at least one day on the weekends. I will attempt to answer email questions, as well as voice mail, within 24 hrs. However, those of you who email me during my email office hours shown above, can usually expect a quick response depending on how many emails I am receiving during that particular time frame. If calling or emailing during the weekend, please allow up to 48 hours for a reply.

When sending emails, please include the course name and number in the subject line.

Please note that I will post weekly announcements in all class portals which will be accessible from your dashboard when logging into the "Go to Class" area of all course sites.