Tips for communicating with students in online classes

Successful course delivery is not only based on quality content, but also on clear communication, well-designed organization, and transparent expectations. Students need to know what it means to succeed in the course, how they will be evaluated, and how they can obtain support from their teachers and colleagues. Teachers, in turn, need to have established routines, defined communication channels, and planned forms of orientation that will make it easier for students to navigate the semester.

Communication within the teaching team and systematic engagement with students through surveys and feedback are also particularly important. Together, these elements create a framework that fosters motivation, ensures clarity, and builds a positive learning experience. Here are some tips for communicating in class (with a particular focus on the online environment) from the Queen's University Centre for Teaching and Learning.