Communicate Quest 2.1.2 - Communication Guidelines for Online Learning

As an online educator, there are certain general communication guidelines that must be followed. Below, I have provided examples of best practices.

  1. Example of a personal welcome message:

  Welcome to Bridges Academy, I am the teacher for 7th Grade ESOL-ELA, Shenica Bridges-Mathieu. I am excited about accompanying you on your virtual journey through our class. The purpose of this email is to inform you of some processes and procedures for being successful in this online environment.
      First, you will need to watch my video, in the announcement session, detailing the various ways to navigate through this course. Next, you need to respond to the first discussion post by hitting the reply button and typing, or recording your voice acknowledging the fact that you will be able to take part in our mini online welcome meeting. Third, you need to understand that this course is available 24 hours per day and 7 days per week, but that does not mean that assignments can be turned in at any time. Please make sure that you check the syllabus and calendar for due dates because late work will result in incremental point deductions equaling 10% per day. In case you are wondering, the course schedule and syllabus are located on the home page (references the welcome video if you are having trouble finding it). On the syllabus, you will find my contact information.

  Although I may not always be able to answer the phone, I am available for texting to 9 pm each day during the week. I look forward to communicating with you. Have a blessed day!

Shenica Bridges-Mathieu


CEO/Teacher – The Bridges Academy


*****Please see below for an example of my welcome video to accompany the example email.*****

2. Welcome Calls It is common courtesy to attempt to establish a personal relationship with students. If possible make an initial phone call to students and parents to verify the contact information in the student records. This contact information includes email addresses, phone numbers, and the like.


  3. Documentation of Contact and Personal Notes It is best to have a filing system for emails and evidence of any other type of contact with students and parents. When possible, use a log that reflects the date and time of the contact. I personally prefer to document personal notes and one-on-one things in our ESIS (Electronic Student Information System). There is a section in the system that allows notes to be taken, saved and date stamped. If this is not possible, I like to use technology like Remind101.com or DialmyCalls.com to automate messages. Using these services will help with efficiency and documentation because an automatic log will be stored. In regard to communication or conduct violations, it will be best practice to copy evidence of student concerns with communication or behavior to administrators and needed team members. All in all, it is best to be proactive instead of reactive and have a plan in place instead of “flying by the seat of your pants.” That would not be a smart thing to do in a country where there are more lawyers per person than any other country in the world.


  This video explains how to navigate through my online ELA - ESOL course on Bridges-Academy.com