In this module I learned about posting a small biography to help students learn more about me and prompting them to engage in conversation with one another.
I will post a bio in my course announcements and encourage students to refer to it. I will also share a picture.
MY take away from this is that getting to know your students and the students getting to know the instructor goes a long way. I usually discuss briefly my credentials and experiences on the first day and then ask students a few questions about their experiences and reasons for the study of choice. I think having them write a biography will assist in knowing them better and knowing each other better than just an introduction. I intend to use this strategy and elaborate on my hobbies, and interests as well.
What I took from this module is the fact that an instructor can still be present even though they are conducting a class through online. An instructor can be seen as being present by consistently replying to students posts, answering their students questions, and having various activities that require interaction.
Let the students know of your background, experience, and your achievements. Have students post their background and interests so that the instructor can get a feel for the students. Let the students tell the instructor their hobbies and interests and tell the students your hobbies and interests. This will lighten up the course training, and everyone is comfortable with the course training.
Moving forward, I will make my experience and expertise known so students can feel secure.
I learned some good ways for me to get to know students, and for them to get to know one another.
One of the most important parts of teaching online is making sure students know you are present and engaged. Keep your camera on when possible, look into the camera to make eye contact, and speak with enthusiasm to keep students interested. Start class by welcoming students and creating an environment where they feel comfortable asking questions and participating. I also think it is important to begin each class with clear learning objectives and an agenda so students know what we will cover and what is expected of them.
I learned that projecting my presence as an online instructor is important for building trust and creating a supportive learning environment. Introducing myself, sharing my qualifications and experience, communicating regularly, responding to students in a timely manner, and encouraging interaction can help students feel more connected and engaged. I plan to apply this by maintaining open communication, providing prompt feedback, and creating a welcoming learning environment where students feel comfortable asking questions.
Establishing a strong online presence as a faculty member is essential because it helps build trust, credibility, and meaningful connections with students in a virtual learning environment. Unlike traditional classrooms, online learners may never meet their instructor in person, making the instructor's presence a key factor in student engagement and success. By introducing yourself professionally, communicating regularly, providing timely feedback, participating actively in discussions, and demonstrating expertise and approachability, you create a supportive and welcoming learning environment. A visible and engaged instructor helps students feel connected, increases motivation, encourages participation, and reduces feelings of isolation that are common in online courses. Ultimately, a strong faculty presence enhances the overall learning experience, promotes student persistence, and contributes to higher levels of academic achievement.
An instructors presence is just as important in an online classroom as it is in a face to face setting. Being visible, approachable, and engaged through regular feedback, communication, and active participation helps students feel connected and supported.
Establishing relationships is perhaps more important in online learning than for in person learning, specifically because your online presence really is the only way the students can get to know you (and vice versa).
What I learned in this module is being able to get to know my students and have them get to know me. By establishing a relationship with students will allow an open relationship that will engage students to learn. On the first day of class, as an instructor I can establish a relationship with the students by providing a biography of my academic credentials and professional experience. I can also ask the students to write a biography as well.
I like the idea of creating and reading biographies to get to know each other.
I learned that online instructors must be present to influence, inspire, and energize students. This helps them feel comfortable and secure in their learning journey.
I learned that providing a short biography will help e-learners feel more comfortable. Students who write a short biography as well helps bridge the gap between distances.
It's all about presence and engaging with the distance learners
Providing a biography of yourself allows the students to feel important and included as a person not just as a part of the class. Having the student provide a biography of themselves shows that the instructor is interested in getting o know them and the things that are important to them. Sharing the biographies creates a classroom environment that will allow the students to know each other better and engage more as a class.
I like the idea of creating the biography on myself for the students to have some idea of who I am, that I'm not a robot. But, also creating an assignment that has them writing a biography on themselves and sharing a photo. This also allows them to interact within each of the schools at each of our locations. We currently don't have set "hours of operations" for us instructors to be online aside from being on at some point for 2 hours. This is something that should definitely be discussed amoungst those of us that teach online for our schools and the higher up.
I have learned approaches to building a healthy and professional relationship with my students, and how to make my presence known through online learning.
