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Many students are apprehensive about taking classes online. This is understandable since “distance” learning by its very nature creates obvious barriers between the instructor and student. The good news is that today’s online college faculty are bridging the gap by going the extra mile to make students feel welcome, engaged, and comfortable in an online learning environment.
In the Fall 2005 issue of the Journal of Interactive Online Learning, John R. Slavery of The University of Akron writes that an effective online instructor uses the VOCAL approach:
VISIBLE: The instructor should strive to maintain a social presence within the virtual environment. This could be through public or private communication channels, which highlight the instructor’s background and professional information. Adding pictures of the instructor and his or her family, pets, vacation pictures, etc., helps students get to know the instructor. Using technology such as webcams or communicating through synchronous learning environments that allow students and instructors to hear each other is also beneficial.
ORGANIZED: Organization is paramount to success in a virtual learning environment. Because students and instructors are accessing the class portal at different times of the day or night, an organized instructor ensures that all students have all the necessary materials to begin the scheduled assignments before the semester begins.
COMPASSIONATE: Online students are often non-traditional students, juggling jobs, family, and even medical issues that aren’t readily apparent. Online instructors are often faced with the decision of whether or not to grant extra time for assignments due to extenuating circumstances on a case-by-case basis.
ANALYTICAL: Instructors need to have a pre-determined assessment strategy in place to see if students are meeting learning outcomes as they progress through the course. Giving timely feedback allows students to get on track when they are not keeping pace with the information. Some instructors prefer face-to-face or proctored exams to ensure that students are completing their own work and integrating the concepts at hand.
LEADER-BY-EXAMPLE. Instructors should conduct themselves in the virtual environment as they expect students to do so. They should be social with students, introducing themselves and participating in discussions. They should also demonstrate the proper way to communicate in the classroom by using Standard American English to correspond with students. Finally, they should follow through on promises to create a high-trust classroom.
Effective online college faculty members have already mastered the art of creating a successful online learning platform. They also continue to experiment with new ideas as new technologies for online learning emerge. However, by creating a high trust classroom and by being a visible and active member of the learning community, effective online instructors can create a positive learning milieu for all.
