Faculty-Students Online Communication Channels

Abstract

In recent years, we have witnessed a significant expansion of the communication channels available to lecturers and students. The purpose of this study is to examine the considerations guiding faculty members in choosing the communication channels they offer their students and the connection between the communication channel chosen and personal and organizational characteristics. The study was conducted using a questionnaire distributed among lecturers through public distribution lists and social networks. A total of 128 respondents completed the questionnaire. It was found that the lecturers' use of the various communication channels available to them was conservative, i.e., the leading channels in use were formal communication (e-mail, face-to-face meetings, and course websites). The lecturers made very little use of personal communication channels and rarely used social media. It was also found that organizational climate, personality characteristics, and the perception of the lecturers' role were related to the use of personal and social communication channels.