Online learning is no longer a niche—it represents the future of business education. However, one major challenge persists: keeping students engaged in virtual classrooms. Skeptics argue that the difficulty of building strong relationships adds another layer of complexity, making online classes more challenging than traditional ones. While technology has made education more accessible, it also introduces new obstacles in fostering meaningful connections between educators and students
Studies show that students who feel connected to their instructors are more likely to succeed. A 2021 report by The International Review of Research in Open and Distributed Learning revealed that students with a stronger sense of social presence in online courses perform better academically and are more satisfied with their learning experience. In other words, relationships matter—even when you are teaching through a screen.
The need to associate, engage with others, and connect at a deeper level surpasses any other human need. As such, relationship building is a natural byproduct of any human interaction. However, not reaching the higher levels of the relationship pyramid in an academic setting is quite common. Is the concept of relationship in general perceived as a ‘must-have’ or a ‘nice-to-have’ feature?
The Connection Challenge
In a traditional classroom, building rapport is easy—you chat before class, read body language, and share spontaneous moments. Online, however, it is a different story. To create that same sense of connection, you must be intentional. Frequent communication, personalized feedback, and engagement with students on discussion boards are essential.
A 2020 study in Educause Review found that incorporating tools like video feedback and live Q&A sessions can help replicate the real-time engagement of face-to-face learning. When students see and hear their instructor, it humanizes the experience, making them more likely to participate and remain invested.
Some obstacles are certainly present regardless of the effectiveness of the online classroom. For example, humor is perceived as an effortless tool in a traditional setting but can be quite cumbersome and tricky in an online environment. Creating online classrooms as ‘humorless’ venues deprives both teachers and students of an incredibly powerful communication asset.
The tone of a teacher’s message, with occasional warmth, welcome, and humor, can convey attitude, motivation, and personality. Ensuring these efforts do not ‘backfire’ is crucial. Teachers should not deprive themselves of humor, which is an excellent relationship builder, but they need to be cognizant of how their words and actions may be perceived without students having the benefit of seeing their facial expressions
Connecting Through Emotion
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It is not just about communication—it is about how you communicate. Emotional intelligence (EI) plays a big role in successful online teaching. Instructors who show empathy and respond thoughtfully to student needs create a more inclusive and motivating environment. According to a 2019 study in Frontiers in Psychology, emotionally intelligent educators are better at reducing student stress and boosting their performance.
Dr. Travis Bradberry, co-author of Emotional Intelligence 2.0, argues that EI is a critical leadership skill, helping build trust and collaboration. These same principles apply to teaching: when students feel understood and supported, they are more likely to stay engaged and succeed.
By its very nature, the teaching profession is geared toward establishing relationships, inspiring students, and providing formal and informal mentorship. At its best, the teacher-student experience can be a life-changing and inspirational journey
Making Online Learning Personal
Building relationships in a virtual classroom may take extra effort, but it is worth it. For instance, the Digital Promise report highlighted that students who had regular, personal interactions with their instructors, such as virtual office hours, were more motivated and felt more supported during online learning. Simple actions, such as timely responses to questions, personalized encouragement, and regular check-ins, can make all the difference
As online business education continues to grow, educators who focus on relationship building will stand out. By prioritizing communication and emotional intelligence, you can create a more dynamic, engaged, and successful learning environment—even from behind a screen.
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