In this section, you will be able to learn more about Online Communication Skills! Find out how you can adapt and cope well by improving your online communication skills such as online writing, speaking and networking with your peers in these period of full of virtual classrooms.
1. Clear communication through writing
As the majority of the face-to-face seminars are moved online this semester, all of the nuances we receive from body language may not be as effective in conveying our emotions and thoughts. Hence, it is vital that we learn how to communicate clearly through our writing. As students, we may have to participate in class by sending our questions through a chatbox and a clear and succinct question helps your professors and peers understand your query better. Read more at 15 Expert-Recommended Ways to Improve Your Written Communication.
2. Speaking up for clarification or when problems arise
Professors often rely on our body language and facial expressions as telltale signs of whether we understand what they are saying. We all frown and furrow our brows every now and then at a very complicated topic. Fortunately, our professors are quick to swoop down on these gestures and proceeds to ask the most heavenly question, "Would you like me to go through it again?". With sighs of relief and a resounding "YES" from the class, the professor patiently runs through the course material again. Unfortunately, with Microsoft Teams Video or Webex, they can't really use this super power as much as they would like to. Hence, it is only polite that we should help our professors by voicing out any matter we have problems understanding. A quick click on our "unmute" button or a few taps on the keyboard can save us from weeks of misunderstanding our course materials.
3. Teamwork makes the dream work
With online classrooms, there would definitely be a lot of questions and doubts lingering about. Hence, now is the time for you and your classmates to stick and work together. More pairs of ears are definitely better than just one. It may be hard to connect with your peers digitally but making use of online platforms can make it engaging and fun. You can opt to create a Google Document with a few of your classmates to take notes together or even meet up after class through a video chat to go through the lesson with each other. In this period, your professors may be receiving a ton of other emails than usual and your queries may not be answered immediately. Hence, having your peers to rely on to for clarification will be a good start. Here are more Ways to Connect with Your Online Classmates During a Time of Social Distancing.
Also check out more peer-to-peer advice and recommended resources on Hacks #3 Online Collaboration and #4 Online Group Work!
Here are 3 alternatives to face-to-face communication:
1. Emails
2. Social media
3. Video conferencing
These alternatives to face-to-face communication can help you decipher which mode of communication you may want to contact your peers with. It is also best to consider these alternatives when planning events for your CCAs as each mode comes with its own advantages!
Here are 5 tips for you to make online learning and communication work:
1. Stay organized
2. Add virtual office hours to your calendar
3. Treat online classes as you would with face-to-face classes
4. Replicate the support you have by
5. Get yourself in "work" mode