The Goldilocks Paradox: The Need for Instructor Presence but Not Too Much in an Online Discussion Forum

Abstract

Effective communication is central in the completion of most endeavors; however, a failure to communicate clearly or effectively can be commonplace and difficult to resolve. Communication within the online classroom is fraught with misinterpretations as there is a lack of real-time communication between instructors and students. Gaining a better understanding of what students expect in their communications with instructors can help alleviate the difficulties associated with communication in the online classroom. As such, the purpose of this study was to examine student perceptions and expectations regarding communications within their instructors in the online discussion forum. The critical issues that this study sought to investigate include the following: student expectations of the frequency of communication with instructors, the expected amount of communication, and how rapidly students expect instructor to respond to their posts. Findings from the study demonstrate that students desire to have engagement with their instructor, but in a balanced manner. Students wish to have an instructor that is actively engaged throughout the school week but not so much so that it will overwhelm their ability to interact with others.