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.
