L4 2 4

=Course documentation provides virtual ‘office hours’ for teaching staff. =

Evidence
Frey et al. (2003). Found that students perceive email communication with the instructor as the most valuable communication strategy online.

Hassini (2006) shows that email is useful and how a  strategic use of email leads to a richer learning experience, by providing an extra medium for communication, and offers a valuable feedback database that can, among other things, be used to improve future editions of a course.

Berge (1998) listed many fears that still have a major impact on academic resistance to online learning. Amongst the most relevant almost a decade later are: increased time required for both online contacts and preparation of materials/activities …. Will more time be spent online with students than would be the case in conventional teaching? The time spent online may be reduced if the academic provides guidelines for students to follow, clearly states times of availability, and utilizes an appropriate discussion forum for questions.

Resources
Examples of guidelines for communication with students in online courses: http://www.designingforlearning.info/services/writing/comm.htm