Module 3

Developing online relationships is often a difficult and overlooked skill that many students have trouble perfecting while in college. However, it is vital for students to build strong relationships with students and professors in order to ensure that they are maximizing all of their resources. Fellow classmates and teachers can offer unique information and knowledge that cannot always be discovered in a textbook.
 While there are many discrepancies between online and face-to-face interaction, many skills used in the conventional classroom can be translated to online learning. Two skills that are shared between in class learning and online learning are making a good first impression and getting to know fellow classmates and professors. Making a good first impression can often make fellow classmates feel more comfortable and can lead to better relationships throughout the quarter. Good first impressions can also lead to better relationships with professors as well. While many students are uncomfortable with developing relationships with professors, professors are the most valuable resource available to students and students utilize them as often as possible.

There are some skills, however, that are unique to online learning. Because there is no face-to-face interaction and nonverbal communication is non-existent, there other skills needed to succeed in an online learning community. Emailing becomes much more important in an online class. It is imperative for students to make sure that their emails are well written and without grammatical and spelling errors. It is also important that students make sure to personalize emails to classmates to allow for better relationships. Sending individualized emails rather than Listserves and correctly attaching documents are some of the many ways in which students can enhance their online learning experience.  Organization is also a significant skill needed to succeed in online learning. It is important for students to organize their emails into specific folders to ensure that emails are handled in a timely and efficient manner.

Building an online relationship with fellow students and teachers can enhance your learning experience for online classes as well as courses taught in the classroom.