The Value of Enthusiasm
As an online instructor, I have found one of the most important methods of supporting students and helping to keep them engaged is to be warm and enthusiastic in my responses. When I post a friendly bio, respond thoughtfully to each student bio, and also engage students with warm and inviting responses, I find that students respond very well. Indeed, one of the more common comments I hear about my classes is how friendly and inviting the atmosphere is. Students feel supported and therefore comfortable to approach me when they have challenges.
Absolutely, I start my classes the same way and the students seem to enjoy networking with each other.
Naomi:
I agree. It is critical for students to believe that they can reach out to us. I want them to understand my passion for the topic that we are studying and I always hope that my enthusiasm is contagious!
It sounds like you are doing everything right - keep up the good work - because what you describe must have a good impact on dissuading attrition!
J
I agree, also this is especially true online where text is the primary means of communication. Where in a brick-and-mortar lecture situation a more full range of communication is available, this range of communication is constrained in an online class.
Naomi,
Sounds like you are doing a nice job of connecting with your students and establishing your presense in the online classroom. Students will feel relaxed and at ease in such a warm and inviting environment.
Herbert Brown III
