How to Be a
Good Online Learner
14. How do you communicate effectively online?
Most learning requires communication in some form. In the online environment, we only learn from each other when we participate in the activities and discussions.
Communication Tips
Nancy Stevenson, in her book titled Distance Learning Online for Dummies, gives us some excellent tips for communicating in the online environment.
- Don't be afraid to speak up if you have a problem or complaint about the course, but make any suggestions constructive. You also want to be careful to make the right choice of delivery method for a complaint (for example, sending an email to your instructor versus posting a message in a discussion area open to all students).
- Listen to what others have to say by reading their postings carefully and asking questions to clarify points they are making before responding or attacking their statements.
- Be open to other people's suggestions about your work; your peers are a significant source of knowledge.
- Participate actively by contributing to discussions where you have expertise or experience to offer, and asking questions of those who are more expert in other areas.
- Be as professional in your conduct in class as you would be at your job. This is not the place for email rage, personal attacks, or inappropriate emotional reactions.
What do I do if conflict happens?
If things do dissolve into a conflict, Stevenson also offers some suggestions for dealing with it effectively:
- Try to restate your idea or belief as simply your point of view and not a fact that applies to everybody. Ask the other person to do the same.
- If what you're claiming is a fact, back it up with specific information about your sources and ask the other person to do the same.
- Take some time to cool off before responding to a heated email or discussion posting.
- Never bring the dispute to a personal level and never knowingly exhibit prejudice. Calling people names or blaming their lack of understanding on their race or gender is unacceptable and unproductive.
- If the conflict arises in a chat room, let a few other people post comments before you join in again. One of them might make a point that bridges two ideas and resolves the conflict for you.
- Ask your instructor to comment so that he or she can act as a moderator or facilitator for the discussion and turn it in a more positive and productive direction.
Stevenson, N. (2000). Distance learning online for dummies. Foster
City, CA: IDG Books Worldwide.
