What action can an educator take to support student communication without being physically present?

Creating a student instant messaging group in Hangouts is an effective way to support student communication remotely. This method enables real-time conversations, allowing students to ask questions, collaborate on projects, and share ideas swiftly. Hangouts facilitates instant interaction, which can enhance engagement and provide immediate support.

This option fosters a collaborative learning environment by enabling students to connect with one another outside of the physical classroom and at their convenience, thus helping to maintain a sense of community and support among peers.

Other methods may not provide the same level of immediacy or collaborative opportunity. For example, although utilizing a whole-class email list or Google Docs can facilitate communication, they often lack the real-time interaction that instant messaging offers. Additionally, setting up a weekly phone call schedule may be effective for scheduled discussions, but it limits the spontaneity and immediacy in communication that students may need. Lastly, limiting student requests for help would not promote effective communication and support, as it discourages students from seeking assistance when needed.