First Impression
The first impression means thousands of words. As an instructor it is very important to give a postive impression of self at the beginning of class or on line learning. This reflects professionalism, integrity,enthusiasm, and respect.
Rosalind,
Well said in terms of sharing information about yourself as the instructor. There is a balance there in terms of too little or too much information. Students do like to know a bit about the person their are exchanging information and content with.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
You can only make a first impression once. To do this in the online classroom evironment, you should be polite and respectful while maintaining your professionalism. Because you may not know your audience, your conversation should not be too personal. However, your class should get to know a few things about their instructor. Opening with a greeting and closing with your signature leaves a good impression as well.
Nagalakshmi ,
Very good practices. I can see how nicely the would create an open classroom environment.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Yes, I also agree.
Posting a detailed biography helps the students know us better and build relationship.
I post my detailed biography.
At the beginning of my first live chat session, I again introduce myself briefly and ask the students to introduce themselves. This way, I think the students feel comfortable to share , engage during DB and live chat sessions.
Sitara Peyyeti
Veronica,
I believe that using good grammar and checking my spelling and capitalization in all my communications with my students, including discussion posts, is another way to project a great first impression and continue that good impression throughout the class.
Jesse,
Excellent approach. This is a fundamental principle for working with people in general.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
If you give respect you will gain respect with students alot faster. There are many background diversities we can learn from each other.
Christopher,
You are so very right. The facilitator needs to demonstrate proficiency in online instruction from the very beginning. This provides students with confidence in the quality of class in which they are participating. The trick is to not be so dominating that student participation is quenched. Using the instructor position to establish an open learning environment for all students, needs to be balanced with strong leadership within the classroom. Excellent point.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
I agree the personal biography is a good first impression. But more important is to make sure that you are visible and active in the classroom as soon as the class starts. The old adage of taking the bull by the horns applies to the online environment. You must make sure that you do everything you can to capture their attention in the early beginnings of the class if you don't you'll be playing catch up and you may never "connect" with that group of students. I was always told you only get one first impression.. so make it your best.
Gwendolyn,
I couldn't agree more. My life mentor has stated many times "How do you know if a person needs encouragement?… He/she is breathing." Continuous reinforcement throughout the course can be a powerful ally for many students. Very good.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
I also agree that posting a BIO can put a learner at ease when they know the suport they're receiving is from a qualified instructor. BRAVO to the seding messages 1st day & 1st week, but I think they can also be effective through out the course. Encouraging words mean alot
Kevin,
I agree the 'extra' depth of personality being shared will enhance the humanizing factor. Good point.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
I also like the suggestion of including hobbies and interests in the instructor bio. This will "humanize" the instructor a bit more, and would hopefully allow the student to relate to the instructor on a slightly deeper level. If the bio were to be all business and credentials, I think it would make the first impression more robotic, and kind of cold. -Kevin Shima
Nicole,
Thank you for you input. Keeping it human is important for most learners.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
I agree about the bio from us as the instructor. I feel that it lets the students get to know a little more about us. I also agree about the students writing a short bio about themselves. It just helps us as instructors know more about them too.
Kimberly,
Yes, these are both indicated as successful tools by many in these forums. This is one of the reasons I enjoy facilitating these courses. There are so many different perspectives and successful tools available to be shared.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
I also agree. I think that by posting a detailed BIO you really let the students know you are a real person. This is important in establishing a great learning relationship.
I like what I read about sending a personal note to each student during hte first week. I had never thought of that and think this is something that I will incorporate. I think that is a wonderful way to begin the classroom bonding experience!
So glad I learned about that.
Kim Otterstetter
veronica,
yes, the students must be able to have confidence in their instructor. Good point.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
