I also think that providing them a structure for the bio is a good idea. The student population that I usually instruct does not have much experience in higher education and need a lot of structure. In a traditional setting, I use icebreakers all the time. I am going to try to think of ways to translate some of those games into an online environment.
It is nice to put a name with a face but I also think you need to make sure it is optional in case someone isn't comfortable having their picture on the internet.
I also like when student and faculty bios come with a picture attached. It is nice to be able to put a face to the name.
Thank you very much for sharing with us your perspective as a student! You have confirmed the advantages of the student bio!
Those are some great ideas Shelly and I am glad you will be able to use them in your future classes. One of the ways that I get my students to introduce themselves is it is the required first posting and if they don't do it they don't get the points for that weeks posting. Because of that, I really haven't had a problem with students unwilling to do it. It ends up being such a great way for the class to get to know each other that it is critical all the students participate.
When I began taking an online college course, every class had a requirement to place a bio. At first I felt uncomfortable telling anything about myself. After the first couple of courses, it became easier and I have gotten to know a few of my classmates better. It also works well because as I continue to take courses, some of the same students that were in one class are now in my current classes. I've already bonded with them. So it's nice to have someone in the class that you already know.
I also ask my students to post introductions at the start of class. I typically only get about a third of the students to respond. I really think this a great way for them to get to know each other....especially since some of them will be together throughout their degree program. I really liked some of the suggestions discussed in module 2. I like the idea of sending a welcome message that contains my biography, for various reasons, but particularly to break the ice. I also like the idea of giving them some guidance in terms of what to include in their introduction. I really like the idea of having them include their expectations of me, as the instructor, into that. I think the more they feel connected to the class and me as an instructor the more successful they will be in th class overall. These are great ideas. I can't wait to try them out next session.
Great question Kelly. I can only speak for myself and say that I have not had a negative experience with student bios.
Has anyone else experienced anything different?
I teach a class called College Success. Many of the assignments are reflection-based, where the students think about their strengths and weaknesses, and consider techniques to maximize their success. Because of this, most of the Discussion Boards are natural biographies, in that they have to share personal experiences and opinions. I think it really helps them get to know each other and I can see personal connections being made on the discussion boards and during the live chats.
Has anyone ever had an experience where students sharing bios was a bad thing?
