Communicate 2.1.3 Ongoing Communication Quest

The International Association for K-12 Learning (iNACOL) has described effective online instruction in their guide "A Parent's Guide to choosing the Right Online Program". In this guide, iNACOL time and again the importance of communication in an online program. Using a Learning Management System (LMS) online instructors are easily able to offer the amount and type of communication outlined by the iNACOL such as providing asynchronous and synchronous communication between the students and the teacher as well as the parents. Communication is such an important part of online learning and iNACOL explained that some online learning institutions have specific communication requirements.

The amount of communication is important to the facilitation of online learning.  Just as important is understanding the FERPA guidelines as to the appropriateness of the communicating with all stakeholders. Teachers must know the proper ways to communicate sensitive information such as accommodations that students require of grade information. It is also importnat for instructors to consider who is allowed to know this sensitive information and the ways in which this information should be communicated.