Staying
connected with students is critical to their motivation and retention. However,
constant communication can become overwhelming for faculty if not managed
strategically. Conceição and Lehman (2011) encourage faculty to think of
presence as a blend of automation, routine, and personalization.
Start
by establishing communication
expectations early. Create a communication plan that outlines when students
can expect responses, where to post questions, and how announcements will be
shared. This avoids daily surprises and repeated questions. Faculty can then
stick to scheduled windows for checking emails or discussion boards, rather
than being pulled into constant interruptions.
Use
automated communication tools
whenever possible. Most LMS platforms allow faculty to schedule weekly
announcements, assignment reminders, or personalized feedback releases. These
tools help maintain consistent contact with students without daily effort.
Creating
a bank of reusable responses to
common student questions also saves time. This can include templates for
syllabus questions, tech support issues, or assignment clarifications. For more
individualized support, faculty can schedule short virtual office hours or use
audio/video messages to communicate more efficiently.
Faculty
Tip: Use technology to support your presence, not
replace it. Scheduled and thoughtful messages can go a long way in building
trust and reducing your daily communication load.
Reference
Conceição, S. C., & Lehman, R. M.
(2011). Managing Online
Instructor Workload: Strategies for Finding Balance and Success. Jossey-Bass.
