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Overcoming Communication Barriers in an Online Class

Last Updated March 17, 2020

A man sitting in a coffee shop on his computer.

Online students are often face-to-face with a monitor instead of a whiteboard and classmates. Online students work on their own schedule, not their classmates or instructors. Because of this, there is likely going to be a few communication barriers. This is a natural aspect of an online education.

However, these barriers are avoidable. Here are a few tips to help make sure you are communicating effectively with your fellow classmates and instructors.

Don’t hesitate to reach out for help

Don’t be afraid to communicate with your online instructors. Conversing with students is part of their job, but they will never know you need help if you don’t reach out to them. Problems can be solved quickly when students bring the issue directly to an online instructor.

Use proper etiquette and grammar

If you do reach out to your professor, make sure to represent yourself like an intelligent and capable professional. This means:

  • Make email subject lines clear and to the point.
  • Begin with a formal greeting (Hello), address the professor by his or her title (Dr. Smith), wrap up with a salutation (Sincerely) and conclude with your name.
  • Use standard spelling and grammar.
  • Do your due diligence. If you are unclear about an assignment, explain to your professor that you looked through the syllabus, your notes and checked with classmates before contacting him or her.

Connect with students in the online classroom

You have something in common with the other people enrolled in your class: you are all pursuing education online. Though every situation is different, your fellow classmates at least have an idea of what you may be thinking. Don’t hesitate to contact and interact with them. Share some questions and difficulties you might be having. Here are a few ways to connect with others in your class:

  • At the start of the semester, introduce yourself to your classmates and establish yourself in the learning community. Anonymity can act as a deterrent for communication later down the line. This means connecting with classmates on social media and actively participating in group work.
  • You can access online directories that list the emails of all other students in your classes. This is a great way to connect with them via social media.
  • Your classmates might not meet in person, but that doesn’t mean you can’t schedule a WhatsApp group meeting, a Google Hangout, a Twitter hashtag conversation, a Periscope live stream or a LinkedIn group discussion.
  • Be sensitive to time differences. There are students from all over the world participating in online classes, so plan your communication accordingly. You don’t want to schedule a chat for too early in the morning or too late in the evening.
  • Understand when to listen. You likely aren’t the only student with concerns or challenges. Never multitask during a group chat. Give the other person your full attention and respect and then brainstorm solutions to your problems together.

The internet has made communication easier than ever before. Capitalize on this advantage. Don’t let communication barriers keep you from being successful. Reach out to your professors. Talk with your classmates. A big part of being a great online student is being a great communicator, so start practicing.

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