Keeping Lines of Communication Open Using UB Supported Tools

When COVID-19 forced classes online in early spring, faculty were likewise forced to rapidly convert their classes into an online format . Within days of the conversion, UB CEI held emergency contingency classes to teach faculty how to use the various technology that UB has available. As one of the learning designers at UB CEI who taught these classes, I quickly noticed how little UB Learns was being utilized. Most UB faculty don’t know the potential of UB Learns and that it has practically everything you need to teach a class online.

As a learning designer, I teach UB faculty how to design their courses for all types of delivery methods including face-to-face, online, and hybrid. I am often asked how to maintain a connection with students when teaching online an course. With the in-person component missing in an online format, often times connections and communication are compromised. My suggestion for faculty is to try to keep the lines of communication open with students by offering several methods for the students to engage with you, as well as each other. A few simple techniques to improve engagement can come by way of video conferencing software such as Zoom, or through peer feedback to students. Feedback could be in  ewritten, video, or audio formats, all of which can be done with UB Learns integrated software.

Discussion Forums are a big component of online learning. My entire master’s program was delivered in an online format and every single one of my classes had discussion boards built into them. Discussion boards allow opportunity for collaboration, both between students as well as with the professor. In contrast to live conversation, discussion boards allow time for well thought-out responses, and when expectations for interaction are clear, discussion boards allow for insights to be expressed in a respectful, open, and non-confrontational environment. Discussion responses do not exclusively have to be written; video feedback can be an engaging alternative for responses. Offering students a variety of response options throughout the semester can help break up the monotony.

Faculty often assume discussion boards can take too much time to manage and therefore shy away from using them in class. My advice to faculty is to periodically pop into the class discussion board forums to monitor rather than engage with every post. You can further the conversation by simply asking guiding questions. I also advise faculty to provide well written, clear instructions and rules and make sure to enforce those rules.

Bottom line, keeping the lines of communication open with the students will help build a sense of community with your students, which is so important in an online class environment. 

I would love to hear ways in which you engaged your students in an online format. Feel free to share ways in which you used discussion boards, how were they effective, and if not, what changes did you make to improve them (hint, hint)? What ways did you keep the lines of communication open in your class?