Great icebreakers!  Here's one more: students respond to a posted "quote of the day"  and submit quotes for the next day, which can spark all kinds of discussions and ideas throughout the term.

Agreed --these icebreakers are wonderful. In my business professionalism class I sometimes post a question such as: "What is the most fun you've ever had on a job?" Initially, some responses suggest "work" and "fun" are like oil and water :)

I hope to teach online someday and think your suggestions are great. Keep them coming. I especially like the "word" and "quote of the day". I used to work in an ICU where the Nurse Educator whose office was located in the unit, would post a word on the white board, and staff had to guess or figure out the meaning and how it related to their ICU world. It was great and everyone looked forward to it.

These are great icebreakers that I have already added to my list. Here are several icebreakers that I have used successfully:

Students create a glogster (Web 2.0 tool) - where they created a multi-media poster following criteria I set up for them (what they do, where they live, goals for the course, personal items they would like to share). I teach e-learning instructional design so students coming into the course are somewhat tech savvy or at least willing to try something new.

Students write about the view they see outside a window in the location they will be doing their computer work.

Students choose an animal they feel they have similar characteristics with, state the animal and comment on the like characteristics and why.

Students are stranded on an island; however was able to choose one book - what would it be and why?

This is a really great idea; even for in-person classes. Typically, when students are introducing themselves, others tend day dream or do something other than listening. This would be great way for them to listen; if they know an activity will follow. Awesome!

I currently have an Associates Human Resources Management along with working two years as an above average Campus Online Coordinator. In this position I schedule, advise, provide critical support and resources for hybrid students, assist in the distrubution of textbooks and I am an alum at the school where I hold this position as well as I manage the office of Student Services. Any advise on what else is needed to become an online instructor? Thanks in Advance for your response.

My goal is to become an online instructor - I am currently working toward earning my bachelors degree in HRM Spring 2013. Is there anything else that I can do in the meantime while working toward my bachelors degree and continuing in my current postion as an online coordinator.

Nice ice breaker! I like the idea of putting one word into the Subject Line. There are a few little game quizzes out there that a student may want to take and then put that word in the Subject Line and tell if they feel it is relevant or not.