Projecting Your Presence | Origin: EL102
This is a general discussion forum for the following learning topic:
Online Teaching Techniques --> Projecting Your Presence
Post what you've learned about this topic and how you intend to apply it. Feel free to post questions and comments too.
I can't wait to meet my first class of students and utilize all that I am learning in these modules. Lot's of good examples how to make students feel heard.
Online interactions with students can be just as meaningful as in person interactions as long as they are done in an effective manner, while actively intellectually engaging with students.
I love the idea of the students also posting a short bio so that now only can they learn from me in my professional bio, but I/the other students can learn about their classmates.
Projecting a strong presence in an online course begins with creating a clear, professional introduction that highlights your credentials and relevant experience. A well‑crafted profile helps students understand who you are, why you’re qualified, and what you bring to the course. Establishing this early builds trust and sets the tone for the learning environment.
Maintaining presence throughout the course is just as important. I make it a priority to initiate discussion sessions, guide conversations, and actively oversee team projects. By participating in discussions and staying visible, students feel supported and know that I am engaged with their progress. Consistent interaction, timely feedback, and ongoing encouragement all help create a meaningful online learning experience where students feel connected and motivated.
I learned about the importance of introductions for both instructor and student in the online platform.
I learned that because online learning lacks immediate verbal and nonverbal feedback found in traditional classrooms, timely and intentional feedback is especially critical in the e-learning environment. Feedback should be delivered promptly, worded to build learner confidence, and framed carefully when offering constructive criticism to preserve student dignity.
I have never been a fan of traditional discussion-board introductions, especially in cohort-based programs where students already know one another. As an instructor, I plan to take a more intentional and meaningful approach to both my own introduction and the introductions I ask students to post.
Instead of generic introductions, students will be invited to share a brief biography that includes:
The name they prefer to be addressed by
Their employment history and current role (if applicable)
Their expectations of me as an instructor
Any special interests or hobbies they would like to share
This approach helps create a more authentic learning environment while still allowing space for connection and mutual understanding.
It's important to ensure the students feel heard and seen. There is a lot you can learn from the students if communication is done properly.
Letting students get to familiarize themselves with you as an instructor and build a rapport with you
From experience students are more engaged when they are familiar with your personality and a rapport is built.
let students get to know you as a person. they trust you more when they know your experience and background. students will connect with you better.
I’ve learned a great way to introduce yourself and build trusting relationships with online students is to start with a short biography of yourself. Students are much more successful when they can trust their instructor and when they feel they can come to them with any and all questions. Always be honest when answering questions. If you are unsure or don’t know, tell them that. Let them know you will find the answer and get back to them.
A great way to introduce yourself and gain the respect of the students is to post a short biography of your academic and professional background. The students can do the same to introduce themselves to the instructor.
I'm not sure why the instructor needs to send a welcome message to each individual student. The instructor in the classroom on site does not have an initial conversation with each student. She introduces herself to the class as a whole and has individual conversations on an as needed basis throughout the course. Why not do the same in the online environment?
Quality of interpersonal relationships correlates with efforts to individualize and personalize the learning experience, leading to quality of learning
It is important to provide students with picture and video with audio of faculty to connect physical presence in online environment. Provide students with the same opportunity.
Having a space For the students to know me as a person rather than just a teacher makes them feel confident
I’ve learned that showing up as a real person builds trust online. I’ll share a quick intro and ask students to do the same, helping me connect with them and understand how they learn best.
Creating space for my self and the students to get to know each other is very important in order to create relationships and trust . By starting off the first day of class sending a biography of accomplishments and some things I like to do outside of the course gives them a picture of who I am . Then in turn asking the class to send in a biography of themselves helps the whole class and my self to see if we have something’s in common and starts a conversation. So having a getting to know you session is important for me to know how to communicate with my students and their learning styles .
Relationships are step one to successful education. In online classes, I let my pets appear in videos; I post regularly while being very aware of how often my voice appears in relation to how often student voices appear. I use examples from my experience and community.
