Communication in Distance Learning

Communication is an evolving feature of distance education. Communication is different for both the teacher and the student. Teachers of distance learning facilitate knowledge more compared to just providing knowledge. Students are active learners in a distance learning class compared to being passive learners. In order to do this, “The teacher's role online is to guide, direct, and equip students with the skills and abilities to provide for their own educational needs in the future” (Siemens, 2002). This is accomplished through strong communication. Communication is developed through a variety of venues. George Siemens suggest that this is started by forming connections, or in my words, relationships, early in the class. He suggests that both teacher ad students share information about themselves, both professional and personal. He also suggest including a picture. By doing this, you find attributes that form connections with other individuals in the online environment. It is a warm and fuzzy ice breaker that is effective for the majority of students in an online environment. The teacher is taking on a leadership role instead of a dictatorship role. I am of the opinion that the characteristics that make a good leader are the same characteristics that make a good online teacher. Ten characteristics on a good leader are: authenticity, desire to serve others, empowering people, guided by heart, passion, and compassion, recognize their own shortcomings, lead with purpose, build enduring relationships, are clear on where they stand, refuse to compromise their principles, and they continue to develop themselves (Parker, 2005). As John Maxwell puts it; “Leaders must be close enough to relate to others, but far enough ahead to motivate them” (Maxwell, nd).

Communication in distance learning is accomplished using discussion boards, e-mails, blogs, collaborative activities using a variety of resources including; sharepoint, wikis, and social networking. This communication is built on how the students synthesize the material and share and discuss it with peers. The role of an effective facilitator is to observe and participate in the discussion. They ask probing questions, redirect misconceptions, create a risk taking environment for the students, and direct students to other resources that will spark the conversation. Since so much of the learning in distance education starts with the students, communication is an important part of the process because it moves the students learning further and deeper creating critical thinking and critical transfer to everyday experiences.

Blogs to check out:
http://web20teach.blogspot.com/Flash templates to embed in blogs
http://artjunction.org/blog/?page_id=1024 100 Web Tools and Resources
http://slenz.wordpress.com/ Information on SLENZ Project: Virtual communication
http://www.smartteaching.org/blog/2008/08/100-awesome-free-web-tools-for-elementary-teachers/ 100 more web tools: Includes communication tools
http://cedict.blogspot.com/CEDIT; Communication, Education and Development using ICT
http://blog.opencc.co.uk/?cat=13 Creative Communications
http://kathyschrock.net/edtechblogs.htm Kathy's ed tech blog picks


Maxwell, J. (n.d.). John maxwell Quote. In Thinkexit.com [website]. Retrieved December 29, 2009, from http://thinkexist.com/quotes/john_maxwell/

Parker, A. (2005, August 11). Ten Characteristics Of Leadership. Retrieved December 29, 2009, from http://ezinearticles.com/?Ten-¬Characteristics-¬Of-¬Leadership&id=59210

Siemens, G. (2010, August 22). Lessons learned teaching online. In elearn space everything elearning [blog]. Retrieved December 29, 2009, from http://www.elearnspace.org/Articles/lessonslearnedteaching.htm