Posting a biography and encouraging students to do the same establishes a positive, first connection with teachers and students. They feel more comfortable and connected when they have a professional relationship with their instructor and peers.
The key is to treat your virtual classroom as you would your "traditional" classrom. The idea is to make as close to what students have been used to in the traditional classroom.
I like the biographical information at the outset for teacher and students. Giving clear expectations and providing educational experience give students confindence in the instructor and the class.
I understand how important it it to get to know each student personally. I will do so by having each student post a short biography at the beginning of the course.
I should be looking for learner participation AND learning experiences while detecting conflict regularly so my presence is felt. I recognize the importance of timely responses and full communications to decrease miscommunications.
The importance in establishing a positive relationship with your students- citing your credentials and experience as well as having them post a bio of themself.
Raltionship building is important.
A great way to project your presence is by creating a biography of yourself and include a summary of your academic achievements, describe your professional experience, and attach a picture of yourself. This helps to establish a relationship with your online learners by gaining their trust, respect, and consideration.
The importance of the instructor’s presence through the sharing of educational expertise and credentials, accomplishments and general personal information builds trust in the learning environment.
I will engage students by sharing information, and providing educational lessons and supports geared to support each individual.
I learned how important it is to get the biographical information from each student and respond. I normally don’t do this but it will be part of my plan in the future.
When responding to work or videos that I have the students post. I tell them how they did on the assignment and then I add something personal to the message.
In the second module of Online Teaching Techniques I learned of multiple goals an online teacher should have. For instance, the importance of making your presence known among the students in the course. Also, projecting your authority and building good relationships with one’s students are critical to a successful class environment. Lastly, the module provided ways to accomplish those goals.
I have learned how to have a presence in my online learning environment. I learned that I should submit a biography of myself to include my academic and professional achievements. I should also include hobbies and interests as ways of connecting and building relationships with my students. I've also learned that students should submit their biographies during the first week of class.
This lesson increased my awareness regarding how important and effective it is for the teachers presence to be known.
There were also quite a few interesting ways provided for the teacher to accomplish an effective presence.
It's important to create a trustworthy relationship with your students so they feel comfortable in reaching out when they need help.
I learned how to provide thought provoking ques for the students in order to complete a more ensightful bilography
Establish a good relationship with your students at the beginning. They are more likely to respond to you as an instructor.
Total transparency and honesty is most important in projecting your presence and gaining respect. The professor should model a bio for the students with his basic background, education and experience. Finally, a bit of personal information can finish off the presentation. Then, to build relationship, it is important to have them respond with a brief bio to begin the class. Then both sides have information to build on.
Reply to Donald Lehr's post:Hi - I couldn't agree with you more, Donald - so imporant!
Toni
Projecting your presence is important to online students, as it gives them a better sense of the instructor's qualifications and to see them as a person. The instructor-student connection is important to their investment in the class and to participation.
