Online learning - Communicating Effectively

A benefit of online learning is that instructors have a wide variety of tools to communicate with their students: 
email, message boards, and video chat.

A variety of online tools are available for students and teachers in online learning programs like Blackboard and Canvas.  Email allows teachers and students to communicate through written messages, answering questions or asking for more details.  Message boards are for students to share their thoughts with their classmates and interact with the course content.  Finally, students and teachers can set appointments for video chats ranging from lectures and presentations, to evaluations, and Q & A Sessions. 

Additionally, students can upload their assignments in common formats like Microsoft Word and Power Point.  Outside of the online learning platform, students can link to popular video hosting sites like YouTube to upload video assignments. 

Now, I'm aware that there are challenges to communicating effectively.  Some challenges are: Arranging online meetings can be difficult, especially if people are in very different time zones. Students and teachers both need to have effective communication skills (written especially). Students and teachers both need to respond to communications in a timely manner (time management skills).

The positive thing here is that challenges can be overcome through knowledge and training.