At UF Online, we believe that teaching and learning are some of the highest forms of communication. Our continuing goal is to offer and support communication tools and strategies that are driven by student and instructor feedback, research, and experience.
When we ask students what quality online education means to them, more often than not, they talk to us about wanting clear and timely communication and opportunities to interact.
"One of my professors stands out to me because he has gone above and beyond to help me. I was slightly dissatisfied with my performance in his class, so I scheduled an office-hours appointment. He spent over half an hour talking to me about how to improve my performance and grade in his course."
- UF Online Student, 2020
Your courses are taught by professors who are eager to know you and help you on your path to a degree. The tools and strategies below are typical of most UF Online courses, but communication is about people, so you can expect some variation across courses. Each professor will outline specific communication expectations in the syllabus and orientation module within their course.
There are a lot of reasons you might need to talk with your instructor. Maybe you didn't understand the lesson, maybe you've been sick and need to catch up, or maybe you have something cool to share! Your instructor will set up ways to get in touch based on what type of communication you need.
Instructor and Teaching Assistant Office Hours
Your instructors want to talk to you and office hours are your chance to do just that! Most instructors are available via Zoom or phone during times that are outlined in the syllabus. During office hours, you'll have a chance to ask whatever you need to ask, so never be shy about showing up, even just to say hello.
Personal Messages
UF email or Canvas Inbox? Instructors typically use one or the other for one-on-one personal discussion. You'll know which to use by reading the syllabus.
Course Question Discussion Forum
Chances are if you have a question about the course, other students do too. Your instructor will encourage you to ask those types of questions in the Course Question Discussion Forum so other students can benefit from seeing the answer or jump in with an answer of their own. You can go to Discussions from the left (main) navigation menu or find specific discussions linked in your module pages.
Grades and Assignments
In both the Assignments and Grades tools located in the left (main) navigation, there are opportunities for your instructor or teaching assistant to give feedback to which you can respond.
Announcements
Most instructors send messages to the class using the Announcements tool in the left (main) navigation. Instructors may post a simple message, a short video, or an update to a requirement. In some cases, you'll be able to respond to those announcements just like a discussion.
You might be the only one sitting at your computer while you take your online class, but you're certainly not alone! Engaging with your classmates will likely deepen your understanding of the course material, give you a sense of belonging, and open up opportunities you might otherwise not have.
Introduce the Real You
Most instructors will set up an introduction discussion to kick off the semester. The beauty of introducing yourself online is that you have some time to think about how you'd like to present yourself! With time to plan, why not go out on a limb and share that selfie with your cat or offer up a link to your poetry blog? Just like you, other students want to connect with real people so put yourself out there and respond to others that post something you find interesting.
Respond to Discussion Posts
When a Discussion is also an Assignment, it can be tempting to post your message and move on—but don't miss out on having a conversation about the topic at hand! Your instructor uses discussions as assignments because the exchange of ideas will deepen learning—so let your voice be heard.
Build a Team
Whether you love 'em or hate 'em, group projects have their benefits! When students truly participate in a group, they not only do better in class but enjoy their studies more. The more present you can be, the better. Take advantage of Zoom to bring group meetings to life.
Be a Helper
Remember that Course Questions Discussion Forum we mentioned? It's not just between you and your instructor. What better icebreaker is there than helping solve a problem? Use this board to help when you have the expertise to offer or are experiencing a common problem. Your classmates will thank you!
Be a "Noisy Learner"
Create your profile in the e-Learning system, add an avatar, post your introductions, link to your blog or Facebook page, take advantage of the UF Online Student PlazaLinks to an external site. to find classmates and major buddies... get noticed and start a conversation!
"I've made friends from group projects, believe it or not! You're just a click away from a classmate. I like to go through the list of students in each of my courses under the PEOPLE tab and click on their names to see if we have any other shared courses! Having multiple classes together is a great way to introduce yourself by saying, "Hey! We have these classes together! Do you wanna study together?"