Online Communication
Communication Skills
Effective and timely communication is essential in a distance education course. Since virtually all communication is done through writing, students should have some competency in writing and keyboard skills, as well as knowledge in how to send and receive e-mail and how to participate on a discussion board or in a chat environment.
E-mail
It is important to note that communication will vary by course. However, sending and receiving e-mail is essential. A distance education student will need a functioning, individual e-mail account. They should also know how to create and save a document and have the ability to send a document through e-mail as a file attachment.
It is important to check your e-mail regularly. Make sure to allow an appropriate amount of time for an instructor to respond to correspondence. An instructor should be allowed at least 48 hours during the business week to reply to correspondence and more time over a weekend or holiday. However, also make sure not to assume that a message was received by your instructor. If you don't receive a reply after 48 hours, make sure to send a follow-up message. If you continue to not receive a reply, contact the instructor through their campus voicemail or the distance education office.
Some Internet Service Providers (ISPs) will filter e-mail in order to screen unwanted messages. In order to avoid having your instructor's correspondence become blocked by your ISP, you should add your instructor's e-mail address to your e-mail address book.
Discussion Boards
Most courses also require communication by using a discussion board and/or chat. Important course information from your instructor may also be found on the discussion board. Once you are enrolled in a distance education course, make sure to read your instructor's directions regarding the use of a message board or chat and contact your instructor if you experience problems. Also, make sure to check with your instructor on requirements, times and methods of participation in their specific course.
| If you feel that you need help or more information on sending and receiving e-mail or using a discussion board or chat, you should feel free to take advantage of services provided by the Learning Center, second story of the Ed Building, located on the Citrus College campus. The Learning Center also provides online tutorials and workshops covering some of these essential distance education communication skills. |
Testing
While most distance education courses will not require any on-campus meetings, many do require on-campus testing. Make sure to check with your instructor to find out if and when you may be required to be on campus.
On-campus examinations will typically be held at the Testing Center.
What Technical Skills Do I Need?
Take time to answer the following questions to see if you have technical and communication skills suited for distance learning.
- Do you have an active, personal e-mail account that you check regularly?
- Are you familiar with sending and receiving e-mail?
- Do you know how to create, save and send documents as attachments?
- Are you familiar with how to participate on a discussion board?
- Are you familiar with how to participate in a chat environment?
If your answer is "Yes" to these questions, then you should have important, basic distance education communication skills. If your answer is "No" to some or all of these questions, you should check with your instructor on what skills will be required within their course. You should also consider contacting the Learning Center for assistance.
Who Should Take an Online Course?
Schedule Requirements
Self-Assessment Quiz
Technical Requirements
Online Communication
Student Success Strategies
Blackboard Learning System
Student Resources