Communicate 2.1.2 Communication Guidelines

Communication is the friend of Harmony and the foe of Confusion

In general, proactive communication is an ice breaker that serves as an introduction and low-stakes first meeting where course expectations and concerns for all stakeholders can be addressed to create an environment of acceptance and an open-door policy for questions.



 As a Virtual Teacher for GVL, I would incorporate the items below in my outline for effective communication:


Welcome email (generic for all courses)
This "ice breaker" will introduce myself briefly and share my passion for the subject matter, include a link to the course syllabus, address the structure of how the class will be conducted, participation monitored and include the various ways to contact me with any communication preferences. The e-mail will include a link to a quick survey for parents to verify student information, parental contact information and their communication preference (vm's via DialMyCalls and texts via Remind101 will be mentioned as modes of communication). Also, I include a box asking the parent "What would you like to share with me about your unique learner?"

Personal notes/mass communication to stakeholders (appropriate times)
Generally speaking, I contact stakeholders between 8am-8pm. Messages will be sent to students and parents regarding feedback on assignments, quizzes and overall student progress. Mass communication is reserved for newsletters, quiz/test reminders and policy information coming from the local school administrator. I will encourage students & parents in particular to sign up for alerts.

Stakeholders
Keep the contact information of stakeholders handy (parents/guardians), online colleagues, school contact person if concerns arise about student's well-being in class always being mindful of FERPA guidelines.

School  Policies regarding Communication
 Include a link to the online version of the school's Student Code of Conduct briefly highlighting expectations and how to address any potential concerns that might arise. This information and link are included in the welcome e-mail.
 
Tools available for effective Communication
 There are many! A few would be CMS (discussion boards, IM, synchronous meetings via CMS's feature or Google Hangout or Skype), texts via Remind101 or Celly, vm's via DialMyCalls, e-mails and  good ole telephone calls.