Friday, December 9, 2011

say it don't spray it

Communication is an art! 

It is a skill that some just seem to be born with, while others work years on mastering it. While watching an episode of Blue's Clues with my son, Joe was teaching Blue about how appearances can be deceiving. 

A hippo was new to the playground, she looked around and realized that she didn't know any of the other animals playing so she kept to herself. She looked down at the playground and to her it appeared that the animals were so busy playing with each other that they did not care if she joined in, this made hippo sad. However, when Joe went over to the playground to talk to the animals he found out that the animals thought the hippo was mad at them since she didn't come to play with them, so they ignored her. Joe taught Blue and the other animals how appearances can be deceiving. 


Blue & Joe

Communication has many subtleties such as body language that can easily change the meaning of a message. Now you may be thinking that online communication does not have any body language, but that is where you are wrong. The "body" is not your own physique but your text, your image. The way that you write reflects yourself, DOESN'T IT? mmYEA!! wtg, like toTaLly w00t! and so awsomelly graet.

Okay, enough of that. Whew, that was hard to type. If anything I am guilty of typing 'LOL' too often. I would like to offer some tips when talking (yes talking! because in online discussions we talk not write) online, enjoy!

Don’t be shy! 

If you have something to say, say it! The online classroom is not the place to be shy. Actually, studies have shown the online classroom can really help shy people flourish. Now is the time to take advantage of this medium for all the positives that it offers. The first step is to post a biography of yourself, let students learn more about you and where you are from. Instead of posting the typical head shot, post a picture doing something that you love like fishing or riding your motorcycle. Share why you teach this course and what is your favorite part of it? Just be yourself.

Participate in the fun

I've found that often the most successful online courses are not the ones with the best graphics, the latest case studies, or the most enhanced content, (although these are all important and I encourage you to do it!!), they are the ones that have active participation. Log-in everyday and communicate. Respond to discussion questions, post comments to students, grade assignments, and email everyone on a regular basis. The important thing is to stay actively involved in the learning process. The fact is that students talk around campus and having a reputation of an engaged instructor will have your sections filling faster than you can post them. 

If you ever feel unsure how the class is doing, post an anonymous survey to ask the students. I can remember a professor that would pass out index cards and told us to write feedback on them and drop them in the box after class. This same simple approach can be done online by posting a short survey that will collect their thoughts without identifying any students.

Use the text editor

I have to admit at times I do feel silly using smiley faces and fancy fonts but they do help to communicate my message. As I am sure others can identify with myself, I am a simple, laid back person that enjoys the simple things in life. Not much will get my bloomers in a tizzy. A twenty minute ride in my camaro will do more for me than any diamond earring (although I do like those too, LOL). However, how will anyone at a distance know that? Those emoticons can help express your thoughts and feelings. Think of them as a notation after your sentence to help indicate your mood or intention. 

Emoticons in Action



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