Teaching Online Course
The online class should be set with a personal introduction posting so that students can get to know one another and you get to know "where students' heads are." The types of info often shared by faculty and students include info on professional experiences, personal information such as family/friends/pets, and a photograph. Faculty also often include a note about their teaching philosophy and research projects.
Thank you,
Christopher Davis
Christopher,
Right on. When you connect the content to real world issues and engage students, the learning increases. Nice job.
I agree that when you have an online course, it is very important to make as many meaningful connections with the students as possible. Personal biographies, pictures, ongoing communication, etc. all come together to help a student feel at ease and increase their willingness to personally invest in the course. The more relevant the course material is the more the student will participate.
James,
I know my picture scares me so I'm sure the students are scared as well. ;-) The personal touch is important. Thank you for your input.
I do this kind of thing as well. I don't know if my photo scares anyone (it's Halloween after all!) but I do think it is a nice personal touch so students know the instructor is a real human being. In our age of "robo-advertising" it is good to know someone real is at the other end.
Christopher,
Yes, development of community in the online environment is essential. Keep up the good work.
