Teachers: Focus on communication
The most important way in which an online instructor can create a supportive learning environment is to communicate frequently and in a timely manner with both students and mentors. When students have to wait too long for a response to their question, issue, or for feedback, they begin to feel unimportant and frustrated.
Getting to know their students, and at the same time, making sure students know their online instructor is a real person who genuinely cares about their success are crucial components of a supportive online learning environment.
Monitoring student progress and motivating students as they advance through their course are additional ways teachers can ensure students feel supported. Teachers should consider reaching out to both the student and the mentor to communicate issues and concerns as they arise.
Online teachers should provide structure within their courses, communicating deadlines and expectations clearly and up front. Consider copying parents on emails to students and communicating behavior policies (for example, anti-bullying policies) to both parents and students, as well.