L2 3 4

=Standard communication channels are provided in all courses. =

Evidence
A common criticism of e-learning is the isolation students suffer from and the need to provide effective communication channels. Interaction is key to effective learning, particularly when not engaged in face to face teaching (Anderson, 2003). In a meta-analysis Bernard et al. (2009) compared distance education courses with each other and have found that designing ITs into distance learning courses to enhance student-teacher, student-content and student-student interaction positively influences learning outcomes.

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.