Skip to main content

Effective Communication

Effective communication is an important part of teaching and learning. Clear and consistent communication can help build trust, reduce confusion, support learner engagement, and establish respectful learning environments across in-person, online, and flexible hybrid settings.

Communication in courses may occur through a variety of channels, including email, Canvas, announcements, discussions, feedback, synchronous sessions, office hours, and course documents.

 

Why Effective Communication Matters

Students receive large amounts of information throughout their studies from multiple courses, systems, and communication channels. Learners must not only engage with course content, but also understand expectations, deadlines, instructions, feedback, and institutional processes.

Clear communication can help:

  • Reduce misunderstandings
  • Clarify expectations and responsibilities
  • Promote respectful interactions
  • Reduce repetitive student questions
  • Support accessibility and learner success

Communication Channels

Email

Email can be useful for sharing important updates and responding to learner questions. However, learners may not always read or act on emails consistently.

Consider:

  • Using clear subject lines
  • Keeping messages concise
  • Highlighting important actions or deadlines
  • Avoiding unnecessary or excessive emails
  • Establishing response-time expectations

Canvas

Canvas provides several tools that can support communication and learner engagement, including:

  • Announcements
  • Inbox
  • Discussions
  • Calendar
  • Modules
  • Conferences
  • Feedback tools

Rather than only posting static content, instructors can use Canvas tools to create more interactive and connected learning experiences (Adzharuddin & Ling, 2013).

 

Communication Strategies

Be Clear About Communication Expectations

  • Clearly communicate what learners are expected to do, where to do it, and when it should be completed.
  • Use clear and consistent date and time formats. Indicate a.m. versus p.m. and include the applicable time zone (e.g., Eastern Time) when possible.
  • Indicate when, where, and how learners can contact you. Include your preferred communication method in the course outline and Canvas course.
  • Set expectations for communication response times. Providing a standard communication statement can help clarify expectations for learners.
  • Clearly communicate the procedure, time, and location for office hours or drop-in support.

Limit Additional Barriers for Learners

  • Use clear, respectful, and consistent language in both verbal and written communication.
  • Avoid unnecessary jargon, sarcasm, or ambiguous instructions.
  • Use multiple forms of representation for important information when appropriate.
  • Keep Canvas navigation simple and consistent so learners can easily locate materials and information.

Provide Options and Gather Feedback

  • Allow learners to provide input on communication practices, such as announcement frequency, chat usage, or participation expectations.
  • Recognize that not all learners may feel comfortable using webcams or microphones due to privacy, accessibility, or technology limitations.
  • Consider flexibility for learners who may be balancing work, caregiving responsibilities, or participation from different time zones.

 

Example: Communication Plan

Clear communication expectations can help reduce confusion, support learner success, and establish professional boundaries within a course. The example below demonstrates how communication information can be organized and clearly communicated within a course outline or Canvas course.

Instructor

Dr. Jane Doe, PhD

Lecture Time and Location

  • Mondays, 12:40 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time — SCI 1350
  • Wednesdays, 12:40 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time — Online using the Media Gallery link in Canvas

Refer to the Campus Map if you need help finding the classroom.

Office Hours

By appointment only. Please email to arrange an appointment. Appointments are available Monday to Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

Communication Expectations

Preferred email: janedoe@faculty.ca

Emails will be checked regularly Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time. Please allow up to 48 hours for a response. Emails will not typically be monitored on weekends. Please do not send messages through the Canvas Inbox.

 

Example: Course Announcements

Clear course announcements can help reduce confusion and ensure learners understand important updates, deadlines, and expectations. The examples below illustrate how announcements can be made more specific, supportive, and action-oriented.

Less Effective

I have given everyone an extension on the next assignment. You will have one extra week. I hope you get on like a house on fire! 

More Effective

Hello everyone. You have been working very hard, so I have given everyone a one-week extension on Assignment 2. It will now be due on February 22 at 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time via the corresponding Canvas dropbox. Please email me if you have any questions. 

 

References

Adzharuddin, N. A., & Ling, L. H. (2013). Learning management system (LMS) among university students: Does it work. International Journal of e-Education, e-Business, e-Management and e-Learning, 3(3), 248-252.