Other Suggestions:
Establishing an instructional communication plan
Communication during a disruption is key to keeping students on track and overcoming barriers to learning due to stress and external circumstances. Early and frequent communication can ease student anxiety and help you streamline your communication strategy should the unexpected occur.
Communication Principles
Communicate early and often. Show them the areas in Cougar Courses where they can expect to find your communications, and tell them how often you will expect them to check their email, and how quickly they can expect your response. Encourage students to share with you their communication needs: Take this time to find out from students how many of them will be accessing the course through their smartphone only if the campus needs to close. How many will have unstable wifi networks and may need to work in a store parking lot to complete work?
- Manage your communications load
- Expect that some students will want to talk to you on the phone while others are happy with email or Cougar Course announcements.
- Know your capabilities and share your lines of communication with students in advance.
- Be accessible but set clear boundaries - what is the preferred method students should use to contact you? When and how often will you check email?
Adapted from Upstate University of South Carolina Keep Teaching Website