I would tend to agree although there are other issues to address. I believe that your introductory message should address some of the issues that you know that make a student anxious in this particular course. For example if you are teaching accounting most students are under the impression that math skills are required to pass the class. Assure them that account is about concepts, not math, and the majority of the calculations can be performed on a simple calculator.
This may put their mind at ease and also feel comfortable with you because you addressed their anxiety.
Most first time students will be shy or concerned about taking courses online. One of the ways to assist these students is to send personal welcome emails to them and let them know that you will be there to answer all their questions within 24 or 48 hours. When I was an online scholar I hated to wait for 3 to 4 days for my Professor to respond to my questions.
QUESTION: What other things can we do to create a warm welcome for our students?
