With the current range of communication methods out there it can feel pretty overwhelming to think about how best to communicate with your students. There are some traditional methods that feel tried and tested, but are they always going to be the best way to talk to and with your students?
We know how crucial communication is in the teaching-learning process, so let's explore some diverse techniques to maximize student engagement.
Leveraging the Learning Management System (LMS) - Your Command Center
An LMS is your ally for efficiently managing course logistics. Use it to communicate essential information, including course schedules, assignment requirements, and grading criteria. The LMS ensures everyone stays on the same page and minimizes confusion about deadlines and expectations.
I have seen some very interesting uses of LMS’s to “force” interaction amongst students. Allocating marks for participation in forums, chats or other LMS activity might seem like a great way to encourage and reward interaction amongst your students, but I’ve only ever seen this work in small courses where a significant proportion of the work is done either online or directly in the LMS.
Pros: Every university has an LMS system and will require less leg work to get off the floor
Cons: it is probably the least likely method to meet your students where they are.
Discord: A Hub for Community-Building
To encourage informal interactions and create a sense of community, consider setting up a Discord server. It's an ideal platform for students to share ideas, ask questions, and collaborate outside the formal classroom setting. The relaxed environment fosters engagement and strengthens the bond between students and instructors.
Students (especially those who play online games) will be very familiar with Discord. It also allows for very easy sharing of clips, images and video to the whole group and can really reduce the distance between you and your students.
I’ve seen some excellent examples of co-creation within discord and enabling students to take the lead in moderating and answering questions. If you’re teaching in a topic area that has a relatively active Discord community (most things do these days) then you can quickly leverage content to bring in for discussion.
Pros: your students will likely be familiar and it is a reasonably effortless interaction
Cons: Not everyone has used it, and you’re likely to get student pseudonym’s rather than real names – it is the internet after all!
Empowering Past-Students as Moderators
Imagine enlisting experienced students from the previous year as moderators for incoming cohorts. These knowledgeable moderators can address frequently asked questions and provide insights into course intricacies. They've walked the same path and can serve as valuable mentors to new students. Moreover, this approach lightens your workload and offers students a clear route to access course information and support.
I have seen fantastic examples of this at Middelsex University. A challenging first year A&P course is supported by 2nd year students who’ve passed through it. The students have a lot of new systems to get acquainted with and can feel a little overwhelmed by the pace of learning. Having the calming steer of students who’ve been through the course on Whatsapp/LMS systems has proven to be very effective (and the 2nd year students get a feather in their cap too)
Navigating Social Media: Instagram and TikTok Challenges
While social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok can be enticing for reaching students in their comfort zones, they come with their unique set of challenges. Let's explore some potential hurdles you might encounter:
a. Content Overload: Instagram and TikTok are content-heavy platforms where information can easily get lost amid the barrage of posts and videos. Important updates about course materials, deadlines, and announcements might not reach all students if they scroll past them quickly.
b. Short Attention Spans: These platforms thrive on short-form content, which can be challenging when communicating complex concepts or lengthy instructions. Students' attention spans might be limited in this fast-paced environment.
c. Lack of Formality: Social media platforms are inherently informal spaces. While this fosters engagement, it may not always be suitable for official academic communications or addressing sensitive issues.
d. Privacy Concerns: Sharing academic information on public social media platforms can raise privacy concerns. Some students may feel uncomfortable engaging with academic content on these platforms, impacting inclusivity.
e. Fostering Meaningful Discussions: The fast-paced nature of social media can hinder meaningful discussions, which are essential for deepening understanding and critical thinking.
However, despite these challenges, if you decide to utilize Instagram and TikTok, consider adopting the following strategies:
i. Curated Content: Organize information into digestible and visually appealing posts. Use eye-catching visuals and concise captions to capture students' attention.
ii. Cross-Platform Integration: Use social media to direct students to more comprehensive resources available on your LMS or other platforms.
iii. Informal Engagement: While maintaining professionalism, embrace the informality of these platforms to build rapport and approachability with your students.
iv. Respect Privacy: Ensure that you adhere to privacy guidelines and obtain consent from students before sharing any sensitive information on public platforms.
Remember, the success of using Instagram and TikTok as communication tools lies in complementing them with other methods to provide a well-rounded approach.
In conclusion, the key to effective communication with students lies in employing a mix of methodologies that cater to their diverse preferences. Experiment with these untapped methods to create an engaging and dynamic learning environment.
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