Picture, Bio, and regular announcements
Having a little background on one'sself gets people realizing that this builds relationships in the classroom. I have found as well when I get my students excited about the next week it creates good synergy for the rest of the week
Kimberley,
Your rationale is very accurate. Instructors and course designers must also keep in mind not to distract from the academic objectives.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
I think that making announcememnts fun with positive pictures and inviting colors will help student to be positive about each week.
In an online environment i think that we have to engage our student's sensory which may help them to be more excited about each week.
Andrew,
That's indicates you have a great dynamic in your online classes. It might be good to use the announcements as a reference point to reiterate the 'helpful hints' for the week's assignments. I find that each week has different aspects (after teaching a course repeatedly) that consistently challenge a portion of the class. Sometimes putting them out in the open via the announcements is helpful.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
It's very true that it helps students get to know you a lot better! The difficulty I have been running into lately is that I talk to the students so much, whether on Live Chats, or Discussion Boards that it becomes difficult to think about what to say in the weekly announcements!
Angel,
I have seen very few instructors use the introductory video you mentioned. However, when used, it seems to have only positive acknowledgments. This is a very good recommendation to add to the pictures and bios. Excellent point. Thank you for your contribution.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
The use of pictures, bios, and introductory video and any supporting script helps to provide opportunities for establishing teaching presence within an online environment. all of these methods help to prepare students for the online course. This includes the design and structure of the course and at the same time help to communicate the organization and expectations to the students. Using an introductory video can aid in modeling appropriate etiquette and demonstrating effective use of technology.
Leslie,
I like your versatility with students to allow them comfort and freedom of expression. Thank you for your insights.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
I think it's a-ok to, if you're not into posting your picture, sharing a cartoon character, for example, who you feel represents you. This allows shy students to express themselves. I don't think posting a picture should be mandatory.
Hi Tanya,
That's a great question. Not everyone likes having their picture posted. If it is the policy of the school, and both schools that I work for require your picture, then there is not much you can do about it except to follow the school policy. However, one school lets you pick your own picture. So, you can have your portrait professionally taken and even photo shopped until you have a great result. I am extremely picky when it comes to my picture. I want control over who sees what. But when you are doing live lectures over the internet via skype, for online classes, you just have to get over the fear of how you look and focus on the course content and material you are presenting. Teaching online is not for everyone.
Hi Donna,
What would you do in a case where someone does not like to have their pictures taken or even posted?
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Tanya Harris
Donna,
Well stated.
That personalized touch you identified is often a major success factor for some of the students. This balanced approach on the part of the teacher provides security and encouragement for maximized participation by students.
Sharing information about yourself including your credentials, education, experience in the field as well as having your picture posted gives the on line learners a personal feel to their otherwise hardwired environment. Its adds a personalized touch that I feel is necessary in the on line arena, especially if you're very welcoming and warm in your approach. You can still show authority as well as having a friendly and approachable presence, which is essential to the on line environment.
