and complete degree programs online. Planners of such initiatives will find it useful to examine the different challenges and approaches already in use on various campuses, as in the mentoring program at Florida State University (FSU). Numerous studies have indicated the need to create personal connections in distance education. A study of distance learning via educational television that compared the attitudes of on-campus and distance students found that the faculty offering courses in distance formats should be trained “to assume a more active role in communicating with the distance learner.”

Establishing Trust Online is Critical for Online Communication Say NJIT Experts — Establishing trust quickly is the key to effective Internet communication, especially when it comes to teaching online, according to researchers at New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT). "While our study focused on trust formation among teachers and students in online courses," said Nancy Coppola, PhD, associate professor, in the humanities department at NJIT, "our results are applicable for any group or team that interacts online. "Swift Trust in Virtual Teams," appeared in Transactions on Professional Communication, published by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc (IEEE). Starr Roxanne Hiltz, PhD, distinguished professor in the department of information systems and Naomi Rotter, PhD, professor in the School of Management, also participated in the research, which was partially funded by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation and the National Science Foundation. The most effective on-line teachers establish communication early and quickly. "Team members must perceive the instructor's presence as soon as they enter the course," said Hiltz. "Instructors do this by providing students with clear course introductory information and personal introductions that set the climate for warmth and responsiveness.

You can always see the latest items, and find many more articles posted seven days a week at the Online Learning Update blog. Until next time, I’ll see you online! ~ray