The Introduction
One of the most important aspects of instructing an online course is to provide a comprehensive introduction of yourself to your class. If your university requires online chats, the first chat of each course is an excellent opportunity to provide an introduction of yourself as the instructor as well as review course expectations, late work policies, and recommendations as to how to be successful in the course. Students appreciate an instructor who is genuine in regards to their desire to see each student succeed in the classroom.
Meghana,
Interesting concept with the out of class google groups. Do you participate in those groups or just the students? Have you found that strategy to generate any more sense of community among your students?
Herbert Brown III
I totally agree with you. Thus Discussion Boards are very important tool in this aspect. I even ask them to form google groups to discuss things outside the scope of class (about their hobbies etc)
Meghana,
I find that when students introduce themselves to each other and they start reading bios, and working in groups there is a nature development of an online learning COMMUNITY that takes place that continues in to other classes and even in life.
Herbert Brown III
In traditional setting there is face to face interaction among students themselves. In online setting students might feel alienated and miss communicating other students and teacher. Introducing each other can reduce this feeling and have them acquainted with each other.
Jeanelisse,
So true and so important. A well given introduction creates the connection needed between students and the instructor and that is the start of respect development by both parties.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
An introductions is one of the most important parts on an online class.
An introduction is essential to the start of any classroom! All the student has to work with is the black lettering on a white background. They cannot see facial expressions, hear tone of voice, nor body language. Interaction online can be pretty impersonal if the instructor does not make the effort to get to know each student personally and to make sure that the class is cohesive.
