Building Immediacy: Strengthening teacher-student relationships through technology applications

The integration of technology has created a new landscape for higher education, revolutionizing the ways instructors can engage with students to effectively decrease the disconnect that students may experience in the world of online learning.  New, versatile tech tools are available to improve immediacy and intimacy between teachers and their students. Immediacy refers to behaviors that decrease the physical and psychological distance between people, and teacher immediacy behaviors can influence student achievement and learning [1]. Tech applications prove to be invaluable tools to aid in diminishing real and virtual distance thanks to the sheer nature of their speed, availability, and relative ease of use. Establishing intimacy, on the other hand, requires trustworthiness, receptiveness, and accessibility between participants [2]. Thus, increasing immediacy behaviors in the online classroom expediates intimacy between teacher and student.

While convenient, online education can present challenges to remote students, thus negatively impacting classroom performance and learning.  Online readiness, described by Barbetta, is the “learning and studying behaviors, learning environments, and technical skills and requirements needed to meet online course expectations” [3]. As adult learners, these factors are largely the responsibility of the student, however, online instructors can leverage technology tools to increase online readiness, leading to better overall success. In doing so, instructor/student relationships are enhanced by reducing the inherent physical and emotional distance that often occurs between participants in the online classroom.

There are many ways to build relationships between instructors and online students using technology tools. Having said that, some tools are more appropriate for asynchronous learning platforms where it is not necessary for students and instructors to be in the online classroom at a specific time or date. On the other hand, other tech tools are excellent for synchronous activities or courses. For example, instant messaging platforms and chat features within learning management systems facilitate immediate communication. This allows instructors to quickly address student inquiries and provide timely updates. Additionally, live question and answer (Q&A) sessions conducted through virtual meeting platforms offer dynamic opportunities for immediate interaction, while artificial intelligence (AI) driven assistants can further support instructors in providing instant help. Push notifications ensure students remain informed about important announcements and deadlines, promoting timely engagement with course materials. Real-time feedback mechanisms enable instructors to offer prompt guidance and support on assignments, fostering continuous learning progress. Further, interactive quizzes, polls, and virtual whiteboards contribute to the immediacy of the online learning experience by promoting active engagement and personalized learning opportunities. In-app messaging and support, audio/video messaging, and virtual office hours provide additional channels for instructors to offer immediate assistance and personalized feedback to their students. Simulations embedded into the curriculum provide students with enhanced support to build critical thinking skills and prepare for future job opportunities. The benefits of these tools underscore the pivotal role of technology in cultivating intimacy in the classroom and enriching the higher education environment for online students. Examples of each of these types of tools will be discussed in the sections that follow.

Instant Messaging

Platforms like Remind allow immediate communication between students and teachers. Remind is a text messaging app that can be used to send missed assignment notifications, quick check-ins for inactive students, or important reminders about class. The convenience of text messaging to keep students on track is an invaluable tool for classroom management and building connections. This kind of extra attention lets students know that instructors care. Additionally, chat features within learning management systems enable quick clarification of concerns, announcements, and feedback, fostering a sense of real-time engagement. Using these features consistently and frequently shows students they can rely on instructors for help when they need it most.

Live Q&A Sessions

As mentioned, some tools are better suited to asynchronous learning platforms; however, even in those cases, instructors may find certain synchronous activities beneficial for students. Hosting live sessions via tools like Zoom or Google Meet facilitates immediate interaction. Students genuinely enjoy “meeting” online instructors, and this near “face-to-face” communication can build instant rapport. Question and answer (Q&A) sessions using these tools help students get specific feedback on questions and the opportunity to ask follow-up questions if needed. Instructors benefit from these live sessions by identifying potential gaps, which can lead to instant clarification. Potentially, this can improve student performance because problems can be identified and misunderstandings redirected before assignments are graded. As a student, this provides a sense of relief and builds confidence knowing work is submitted correctly the first time.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

AI assistants like ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot are time-saving tools that aid instructors in generating material in a quick, concise, and easy-to-read format. Pitso suggests the university instructor role should shift to focus on incorporating AI technologies such as ChatGPT into learning and teaching in the digital age [4]. By homing in on accurate prompts, AI tools can help write time-consuming classroom materials like announcements, assignment clarifications, and emails. Providing detailed, informative materials throughout class improves student online readiness, leading to a more positive learning experience for students. Sometimes instructors place creating these valuable items on the back burner when pressed for time. However, using AI tools takes a fraction of the time, and often generates information in a more interesting, stimulating tone. It is important to note, however, that instructors should always check AI-generated material for accuracy prior to sharing it with students. While AI can be helpful, it is not always accurate, so care must be taken in this regard.

Real-time Feedback

Collaborative tools, like Google Docs or Microsoft Teams, help teachers provide immediate feedback on assignments or group projects. Through engagement in the creative process as students work, instructors can give encouragement and advice or point out areas needing improvement. Tanis explains that “learning by doing” encourages students to engage with class content through meaningful interactions [5]. Active, rather than passive, feedback gives students the opportunity to better understand assignment expectations and leads to better comprehension in the long run. This type of collaboration puts students and instructors in the role of teammates, promoting a sense of mutual respect and trust.

Interactive Quizzes and Polls

Other synchronous opportunities can be found using tools, such as Kahoot or Poll Everywhere, that engage students instantly, allowing them to participate in interactive quizzes or polls during a class. Let’s face it, online classrooms have the potential to be pretty dull. Inserting fun learning activities adds a little excitement and aids in fostering community among classmates. This bridges the distance between peers and instructors, bringing participants closer through active engagement. ChatGPT can complement these activities by explaining answers or elaborating on poll results. Presenting students with examples of how AI is used in a positive way helps them build their own tech toolbox that can be useful in future careers. As Volungeviciene, Tereseviciene, and Ehlers note, digitally enhanced learning experiences play a crucial role in educational success as well as future employment opportunities [6]. As a result, intimacy is fostered in a student-centric atmosphere where instructors support academic goals and career aspirations.

Virtual Whiteboards

Platforms offering virtual whiteboards, like Miro enable immediate brainstorming or concept illustration during a class. This is particularly beneficial in quantitative courses with difficult content such as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) classes, economics, or statistics. Instructors can invite students to participate in individual or group whiteboard sessions to reinforce concepts or demonstrate problem-solving using formulas, scientific procedures, and other methods. Guided, interactive practice is a sound teaching strategy that closely mimics in person classroom interaction, where students benefit from seeing before doing. While this is a synchronous activity, asynchronous instructors find it beneficial to take time in their day for this extra effort for struggling students.

Audio/Video Messaging

Using video as a learning platform is an interactive way for instructors and students  to get to know one another in a more casual setting. Online classrooms rely heavily on written communication in formal discussion forums, but this can also lack the intimacy that more face-to-face engagement naturally produces. Apps like VoiceThread allow instructors to create inviting discussion prompts to which students create audio/video responses, promoting immediate engagement and personalization in discussions or assignments. Access can even be shared among various classes and instructors, so students can watch responses and engage with a wide variety of others, not just those in their own class.  Instructors can also use apps like Loom or Zoom to make personalized videos of assignment clarification, directions on how to navigate the online learning system, or to answer student inquiries about assignment grades. These apps allow for screen recording, as well as video recording of the presenter. Personable approaches bridge the gap between learners and instructors. This also accommodates the unique needs of students, such as visual and auditory learners, or those who experience difficulty with reading comprehension.

Virtual Office Hours

Allowing students to join in on immediate one-on-one discussions or clarifications is another way for instructors to meet student needs quickly and effectively. Google Calendar and Calendly allow teachers to schedule and host virtual office hours. Many students prefer to meet with instructors in a virtual, face-to-face manner rather than relying on written messaging. While this may seem like a more time-consuming endeavor, it can actually free up time due to the direct nature of the interaction. Written communication requires a great deal of attention to detail, concern for tone, and the ability to ensure the reader understands the intended message. Virtual office hours take this factor out of the equation and avoid confusion or frustration on the part of the student.

Simulations

Many educational vendors now offer simulations as a tech tool to reinforce classroom concepts. This offers a unique platform, appealing to various learning styles. For example, in an organizational behavior and management course, students may engage with a virtual work team, in which they are confronted with choices to navigate potential conflict during the contract negotiation process. Various pathways exist depending on the choices the participant makes, subjecting the student to different class concepts, in contrasting forms. Moosavi and DeWitt attest to the need for a learner-centered focus in higher education to address skill development needed for the 21st century [7].  Providing innovative, experiential learning opportunities benefits students by exposing them to technologies that improve problem solving and critical thinking skills. Ultimately, this transforms them into better job candidates for future career aspirations after graduation. This is a holistic approach that builds intimacy through helping the current student draw a connection to their future self as a job seeker.

Summary

Based on the wide availability of tech tools for instructors in improving learning and communication, it is easy to see how these technologies can support and build intimacy between student and instructor. The integration of these tools enhances immediacy in the online classroom and fosters a dynamic and engaging learning environment where communication and feedback happen in real time. The versatility and relative simplicity of these applications can inspire instructors to infuse creative and time-saving tools into their daily teaching practice. This ultimately provides a more inspirational, enriching experience, setting the tone for a cooperative, supportive relationship between teachers and students, built upon active teacher immediacy behaviors.

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