In online learning, communication is key. Since you don't have the luxury to speak to the student in person everyday as in the traditional classrooms, the only way to keep the learning process smooth is through communication.
Welcome email. This email will be a generic one. First introduce yourself and let them know how happy you're to teach the students that semester. Introduce the name of the course and remind them that it web-based course. Speak about the course schedule and how important it is for the students to review the course schedule so that they don't miss any deadlines. Explain clearly regarding your policy when it comes to due dates of quizzes, tests, projects, etc. Include your contact information and your most preferred way of communication. Have a policy that students to use the LMS email system and not outside email address. This is good for accountability purposes. Indicate the textbook and other resources they can use to successfully complete the course. Make sure to include your grading policy.
Personal Notes versus Mass Communication. You have to send personal notes when the issue is only with specific student/s. Contact them personally if they are not doing good in the course and email a compliment note for those who are doing good as well. Mass communication should be used only when you want to remind the class about, say, due dates and other issues pertaining to the entire class.
School Policy. For accountability purposes, the instructor should remind the class that any email communication should be done using the LMS email feature.
Tools available for effective communication. Email and phone services are basic and should be available to the instructor and students. Other forms of communication that are available could be discussion boards, virtual classrooms, skype and so on.
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