At Liberty Public Schools, we are dedicated to Macbook Image bringing you the most robust education possible. Through our work in online learning, we know we can help all students grow as both consumers and producers of knowledge. One of our main intentions is to build learners who are solid communicators even when they are not face-to-face as within a traditional classroom.

We want to help amplify your voice and help you become an advocate for your own learning needs. In order to do this, we need to start with one of your main modes of communication with your teacher... your Canvas inbox.

To help you get started, review the 5 Simple Steps to a Perfect Email below for developing a solid communication process.

5 Steps to a Perfect Email

Take a look at a couple of real examples from two former Liberty Virtual students:

Riley Email Example

Claire Email Example

Here are some things to keep in mind when communicating via email:

Your instructor is not required to be available 24/7 for all of your questions; however, they are required to answer all emails within 24 hours. Plan to preview course work early in case you have any questions that need to be answered before completing.
All Liberty Virtual participants (learners and teachers) are expected to use the highest degree of professionalism when interacting digitally (email, discussion boards, etc).
Clear and positive communications will always produce the best results. Remember to read your email out loud, before you hit send to listen for tone and check for errors.

Dr. Vogelaar, LPS Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources, shared some fascinating research by Albert Mehrabian on the impact of words with the Leadership Academy. Consider the power of influence your words and the interpretation of others will have on your message...

"93% of the impact in emotionally charged communication comes from how you look and how you sound when talking. Only 7% of the impact is from the words you use. In email, the words don't become 100% of the impact merely because you are not there to be heard or seen. Rather, how you look and how you sound is created in the mind of the reader, without your ability to influence it. And oftentimes the reader is picturing something you are not intending."

Sources:

Mulder, P. (2012). Communication Model by Albert Mehrabian. Retrieved [August 7, 2019] from ToolsHero: https://www.toolshero.com/communication-skills/communication-model-mehrabian/

Photo by Glenn Carstens-Peters on Unsplash.