Communication: Tools for Success in E-Learning

Online education has become a serious competitor with the traditional classroom in recent years, but a certain stigma still exists in regard to the educational value for online students. A big concern is the lack of face-to-face communication--some worry that e-learning may not be as effective as classroom education without the interpersonal aspect, but education providers have moved forward to enhance the online communication tools for students.

Effective Types of Online Communication

While email may have been the main e-learning interface at one time, new technologies now allow teachers and students to communicate more effectively online. A study in College Student Journal found that the following types of e-communication work best in the online classroom:

• Threaded Discussion: This technology creates a discussion or "conference" setting online where students can respond to the teacher and their classmates on their own time.
• Real Time Discussion (Live Chat): This instant-messaging type feature of the online classroom allows students and teachers to read and respond to comments or questions in real time.
• Announcement Posts: Programs like Blackboard allow the teacher to communicate with his or her students in a timely fashion for a more effective e-learning experience.

Each of these types of communication offer students the opportunity to interact with their teacher and the other students within the online classroom.

A Quality Education Depends on Communication Online

The student's success in an e-learning class depends on active participation in online discussions and activities. In a recent article on e-learning in T H E Journal, a panel found that an online class should focus on collaborative learning and good communication between teachers and students.
If you're considering getting your education online, make sure your program provides the right tools for communication.
Sources:
"Online Education: Lessons for Administrators and Instructors." College Student Journal. 38.2 (June 2004).
"Accommodating Individual Learning Needs." T H E Journal. 29.2 (September 2001).

T. Jansen is a freelance writer and Ph.D. candidate in the education field.