Effective Communication Tips for Online Learners

You should not feel isolated when participating in remote learning at UCR. Encourage your instructors to connect with other students to create a vibrant peer-to-peer learning environment.

Some suggestions include:

• Check your UCR email frequently. With no face-to-face instruction with faculty on campus, it is critical that you check your email frequently for important messages from your professors.
• Use discussion board forums to get to know your classmates or to ask for support from your classmates.
• Make sure you know the preferred method of communication from each of your professors by checking your syllabus. 
• Check to see if your professor is offering virtual office hours. Communicate with your professor early in the quarter and not the night before a large exam or due date for an assignment.
• Reach out to your professor or TA for assistance or clarification on any course materials you are having trouble understanding. Expect some delay in time, as the professor now has to communicate with everyone solely by email, and remember that professional email etiquette can go a long way!
• Use Zoom sessions to connect with your classmates remotely to build a sense of community. (Zoom tips for studying in a group (oregonstate.edu)).
• Seek out tutoring resources or writing help or accommodations as needed. Even though the university is working remotely, the support services are still available to assist you in your learning. (If you need an accommodation or have an accessibility issue, please contact the SDRC for further help.)
• You can also contact the Academic Resource Center for more resources.