I entirely agree with the video clip of the instructor to introduce themselves to the students. Also, the idea of students posting a bio is a great idea. It is human nature to feel closer to something or someone when you have seen them and learned something about them. People are more comfortable discussing topics online if they have at least seen a picture of you. e.g. the small thumbnail images that people have in gmail or on LinkedIn. I always feel like I know that person in come capacity if I have seen their picture. In online teaching it is imperative to create that trust by letting your students know who you are, what your credentials are, and where you live in relationship to the learner. Any means that we have to be more personal with the distance learners is a great asset to their success.