Easing Communication Apprehension

This chapter explores how communication anxiety affects students’ ability to succeed in online learning environments. Many students who excel in their in-person classes find online classes more challenging as there is a lack of nonverbal cues, limited immediacy, and an increased reliance on technology that come with these classes. The following looks at how these factors can heighten apprehension, particularly during live video sessions or online exams, where students feel both exposed and isolated. It also reviews how the structure and organization of online courses, which are often self-paced and text-heavy, can increase stress for an already anxious student. To combat these challenges students need to have an active instructor who provides clear expectations, timely and detailed feedback, and one who offers multiple options for participation. By intentionally addressing communication apprehension in online classrooms, instructors can improve student performance, participation, and overall success.