Getting to know your students...students knowing you
I entirely agree with the video clip of the instructor to introduce themselves to the students. Also, the idea of students posting a bio is a great idea. It is human nature to feel closer to something or someone when you have seen them and learned something about them. People are more comfortable discussing topics online if they have at least seen a picture of you. e.g. the small thumbnail images that people have in gmail or on LinkedIn. I always feel like I know that person in come capacity if I have seen their picture. In online teaching it is imperative to create that trust by letting your students know who you are, what your credentials are, and where you live in relationship to the learner. Any means that we have to be more personal with the distance learners is a great asset to their success.
Doris,
Communication is so very important in the online classroom. The connections between students and students and between students and instructors decides whether an online community has been established or if the students are just going through the motions in their own online world.
Herbert Brown III
Getting to know your students creates an atmosphere that is open and positive and helps student feel that are a valued member of the online learning environment Students have increased motivation when they feel some sense of autonomy in the learning process, and that motivation declines when students have no voice in the class structure.
Jeanice,
Building that personal relationship with your students in your course is critical for them to really connect with you and the course. They will report on evals. etc. how you were there for them and how well they felt connected with the course. They are also more likely to ask for help when they do struggle because they see the personal side of you.
Herbert Brown III
I agree with you. I ask all students to tell me something about themselves. Also, I find that the discussions can make you closer to them. Let them get to know you.
