UT Snapshot: Communication is Key

Brenda.jpeg  In her online Career Dynamics course, Brenda Berkelaar (Communication Studies Links to an external site.) offers advice that she has found useful in building connections with students she never sees face-to-face: "Create 'checkpoints.'"

Throughout the semester, she has students complete multiple “checkpoint” assignments where they touch base with the instructional team (they can opt to communicate with her privately, or include the TAs on the correspondence). Brenda's pedagogical strategy to connect with students is made explicit in her assignments. For example, in "Checkpoint 8" (below), Brenda conveys her desire to connect with each student interpersonally, especially because it's digitally: 

 

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icon2-dtt-back.jpg "How Do UT Instructors Build Connections and Community?"