communicating methods

There are several ways to interact with peer learners, instructors, technical assistants, advisors and others. Below we list options with tips on how and when to use them best.

Email:

  • Ask for help. Approach your instructor directly with questions concerning content and assignments when answers cannot be found elsewhere.
  • Attach files. If you want to share digital files such as pictures or documents with others, attach them in an email message. Keep in mind that you need to ensure that the other person can receive the size and application of the attached file.
  • Get feedback. Receive feedback on your course work from your instructor in a “private” email.
  • Work on group assignments. Exchange ideas and let others review your writing assignment.

Discussion Boards:

  • Exercise your knowledge. After reading units and articles, practice expressing what you have learned in online discussions. Notice how much you can retrieve from your readings and find out where you need to delve deeper.
  • Get and receive comments and feedback. Students learn the most when sharing their knowledge and ideas with others.
  • Ask questions. Discussion Boards can help you deepen your understanding of concepts and ideas.

Instant Messaging (IM):

  • Chat live or synchronously. The iSchool Help Desk is available through live chat in the Online Help section below.
  • Get an immediate response. Since you and your contact person are online chatting at the same time, feedback is instantaneous.
  • Attend office hours. Some professors require or request that students contact them via IM during certain hours each week to ask questions.

Phone:

  • To give you a non-online option. Although you're doing your course work online and interacting with others through online communication tools, professors can also be reached by phone.
  • Discuss difficult topics in private. If you have questions or discussion topics that you want to discuss with your instructor in private and in real time, then take advantage of a phone call. For example, if you fall behind in class and need some tips on how to catch up, contact your professor.
  • Ask for clear answers. If you can't find an answer to a question and you didn’t receive a helpful tip through email or the discussion board, contact help resources over the phone.

Meetings (Virtual):

  • Online meetings via IM may be helpful or necessary to accomplish some class assignments or goals.
  • Work on group projects. Meet with online classmates via Blackboard in your discussion groups to work on a group task.
  • Utilize peer learners at your school. Talk with other students in your school who may be enrolled in an iSchool course.

iSchool courses for spring 2010 reached their cap. Students who have not yet registered are unlikely to obtain a seat.

iSchool is no longer accepting Student Information Forms (SIFs) for spring 2010 registration.

The 2010-2011 application process will open in March 2010.

To ensure students can participate fully in iSchool courses: iSchool Technology Survey »

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