One way that I am able to achieve both in the online environment is by using a popular instant message program with my students, such as Yahoo Messenger.  This program allows me to have open communication and to be highly approachable by using the technology student's use every day in the classroom. Rather than just being words on the screen, I am able to interact in real time with students in a modality that many students are very comfortable using.

On the first day of class I post a message to each student stating that I would like to further increase my communication with them. Since I spend a large amount of time on the computer each day there is a good chance that students will find me available to chat. If not we can always schedule a time that works for both of us.

The email that I sent out reads in part "Please feel free to send me a "Hi" or ask any questions that you may have. Since I will be online I will be able to give you an immediate response to your questions. I know sometimes when you have a question it is beneficial to know the answer immediately. If you do not have this program on your computer it takes about 1 minute to install and is very easy to use. Of course this is not required by any means, I just thought it might be another way to increase my communication with you and have traditional "office hours" where you can stop in and chat".

The response from students has been overwhelmingly positive. This communication does not replace the traditional phone call, although I have found that students seem to be more willing to send me a chat message then to call. I always love the amount of students wanting to just say "Hi"! I think that this adds just one more way in which I am able to be approachable in the classroom and to communicate with students.

After each chat I copy and paste our conversation into a mail message in the classroom stating "it was a pleasure talking with you today. I have attached our conversation in case you would like to review. Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns." This allows for both a follow up and a record of our conversation.

Faculty Spotlight:

Laura Pipoly earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Hiram College. She then graduated summa cum laude with her master's degree from Youngstown State University in education with a specialization in both school counseling and clinical mental health counseling. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a licensed K-12 school counselor. In addition, Laura is recognized as a National Board Certified Counselor. Laura completed her doctorate degree from Nova Southeastern University with a dual concentration in instructional technology and distance education (ITDE) and special education. Her dissertation focuses on distance education counseling students and is titled Counseling Students Perceptions towards the Efficacy of Online Counseling.

Laura enjoys teaching courses for Grand Canyon University and is currently employed as a writing consultant at another university. In addition to teaching she has also worked as a school counselor, case manager, psychotherapist, behavior specialist, and mobile therapist. Laura has presented at the national level at the American Counseling Association and at the state level at the All-Ohio Counselor's Conference. Most recently, Laura was a co-presenter at the Northeast Ohio Regional Drug Summit.

Laura is proud to be a military spouse and mother of a toddler and newborn. Her interests include further presentation and publication opportunities. As a mother, wife, and professional Laura has limited free time but strives to make every moment count by spending quality time with her family.