Gaining trust of the students is the first thing for me. The students have to have trust that we know what were talking about, and there are lots of "fake it till you make it" teachers out there.
The introduction discussion is a critical element of establishing relationships with students.
Information in my bio on hobbies, family, and pets, for example, can help me appear more accessible to my students.
By including information on my hobbies, family, pets, and other points of common ground, my students may perceive me to be more accessible.
Projecting my presents online and making a connection with the students on a professional level as well as a personal level.
Hearing student's stories
I learned a better way to organize my biography for students. I'll divide it into three sections: academic credentials, professional experience, and special interests.
On the first day to have students write a short bio, to get to know each of them on a personal level.
I really like the idea of implementing a general discussion board in addition to the discussion board for class assignments/topics. I would like to implement this practice.
I learned the importance of a biography, so tthe students know your educattional and expertisse.
Showing the students that you are a real person who is interested in their education.
Making the extra effort to present your knowlege and skills at the beginning, to give students the confidence that you are real and can help them get to their goals. Learning about the students to find their goals and any special needs, without breaking a trust with them. Having respect for them as individuals and their unique learning methods.
I always post an introductory video so that students can get a feel for my personality in addition to a brief biography of my professional and academic experience.
I have found a good way to connect with students is to incorperate my personal work experience as well as the students with the course material and address student by their first name.
Establishing a presence, authority and a relationship is a fine balance. This section highlighted the importance of respectfully and consistently establishing a regular connection with students through a variety of methods.
Specifically, using the paragaph introduction is a strategy that I plan to implement. Highlighting credentials, professional expereinces and accomplishments, and sharing a few personal interests will support learners in making connection.
I should always try to project myself as a supportive instructor, which will allow the students to feel secure by kowning I am available to help anytime.
It seems simple and mabye even obvious..but having the students create a biography to be shared with other students is BRILLIANT! Can't wait to add this to first day activities!
I have been sensing it and working in this direction, however, the emphasis on identifying students at risk of falling behind or not understanding material early and reaching out to them proactively is a meaningful take-away from this section.
Increasing my understanding of my presence in the classroom beyond developing a relationship with students, and participating in asynchronous discussion board posts to more intentionally include a projection of authority is an area where I can grow. While I do believe that the quality of my interactions reflect the authority that I have in the content area, it is not always a given that students make this connection. I will revisit my bio and add text to the video as a starting point.
Online instructors must know how to influence, persuade, inspire, and energize their students just as would be done in a traditional classroom setting.
