So, you鈥檙e trying to figure out an accounting formula, a psychological study, or the importance of an Amazonian tribe鈥檚 religious icon for your online course. What do all these scenarios have in common? They can all be solved by talking to the right people, the right way. Here are five tips to effectively communicate in your online course with the people who can give you the help you need.
1. Forum, first
Chances are if you鈥檝e got a question, someone else has it too 鈥� check the forum for your course, it might be there! Even if no one鈥檚 asked your question, someone has to be first and it might as well be you.
2. Email, last
Chances are your professor and TA鈥檚 from your online courses already get enough emails from your colleagues. If you save them a headache by doing your own research first (like scouring the forum!), you鈥檒l have a good case for your getting the help you need from your instructors.
3. Friends, make some
We live in a world where friends, families and businesses connect worldwide through their screens. Who鈥檚 to say you can鈥檛 do the same with your peers in your online classes? It can be daunting to be the first one to break the 鈥渟ilence鈥� on the discussion board for your course, but if you take the plunge first chances are people will be more inclined to help you. Whether it鈥檚 setting up a Google Hangout session or making a Facebook study group, sometimes all people need is a nudge in the right direction.
4. Seen your syllabus? Have another look.
Can you count on one hand the amount of times the answer to your question has included the words 鈥渁s described in the syllabus?” Chances are that鈥檚 because it was in the syllabus. Checking your syllabus prior to asking your question is a good way to make sure you鈥檙e not asking what鈥檚 already been answered for you.
5. With great power鈥�
It鈥檚 incredible what students can accomplish today with the power of technology 鈥� you can learn an entire semester鈥檚 worth of material and get a credit for it without ever leaving your bed (please don鈥檛 go four months without leaving your bed). However, this also means students must understand both the power of the tools at their disposal, and their responsibility to use them as effectively as possible. Recorded videos, online readings, and discussion forums at your fingertips 鈥� everything you need to succeed. All that remains is to put in the work.
By Matthew Curtis