Change and Change Theory
Building Constructive Relationships in the Online ClassroomDr.
Roberta L. Fugett, Ed. D.Indiana Wesleyan UniversityFebruary 1,
2014
Be Clear About ExpectationsBefore the class begins, create an
announcement to welcome students and state expectations.Clearly
outline grading policy, attendance policy, and participation
policy.While these are generally outlined in the course syllabus,
it is wise to reinforce these policies prior to a time when
students are immersed within the course.
Use the Information You ReceiveStudents, whether face-to-face or
online, need to know that the instructor cares to know them.Use the
information from the introductory assignment to get to know the
students.In the past, education has sometimes been very dehumanized
and uncaring of human desires and dreams. Humanize the learning
environment by exchanging stories, information, and testimonies.
The faculty forum would be an excellent place in the course to
accomplish this.As an instructor, I need to do more than to just
get the job done. Be an out-of-the box thinker and hear what the
students share and share with them. Use the shared information to
help group students together when group assignments must be
completed.
3
Care a Lot and Show ItKelly Middleton in his book Who Cares?
quotes Dr. Seuss," 'Nothing is going to get better, it's
not'---until we care 'a whole awful lot.' "
Let Your Students Get to Know YouCreate a welcoming environment
to allow your students to get to know you as the instructor.Post
your biographical information.A recorded audio and/or video
biography could be posted so that more about experiences and
academic areas of concentration can be more thoroughly shared.Make
yourself available to the students via email.Set specific hours to
be available in the virtual classroom to meet with students to chat
online.
A Key Aspect: Being Involved in Participating in the Course
Be involved. Mentor, listen, and learn with the students. Model
polite and respectful interaction in order to help your students to
be the best that they can be. Take ownership in creating a
collaborative learning environment.
Be Positive When Giving FeedbackWhen giving feedback, begin with
discussing something about the students work that was done
well.Clearly state the grades earned and the reasons for them.Use
rubrics to guide the discussion when rubrics are provided.
ReferencesEdwards, T. (2005, September). Seven steps for
providing constructive online discussion feedback successfully.
Online Cl@ssroom. Retrieved February 1, 2014 from
http://www.vcu.edu/cte/resources/newsletters_archive/OC0509.PDF
Fullan, M. (2008). The six secrets of change. San Francisco, CA:
John Wiley & Sons, Inc.Middleton, K. & Petitt, E. (2007).
Who cares? . Tucson, AZ: Wheatmark.The Arbinger Institute. (2002).
Leadership and self-deception: Getting out of the box. San
Francisco, CA: Berrett-Koehler Publishers, Inc.Venable, M. (2012).
5 ways to build positive relationships with your online students.
From OnlineCollege.org., retrieved February 1, 2014 from
http://www.onlinecollege.org/2012/08/15/5-ways-build-positive-relationships-your-online-students/
