As an instructor, I believe learner engagement begins with creating an inclusive, interactive, and supportive environment where students feel comfortable participating and asking questions. I will strive to connect course material to real-world applications, encourage active discussions, and incorporate a variety of teaching strategies to meet diverse learning styles.
I learned that Projecting your presence is the ability to communicate confidence, professionalism and authenticity in both personal and professional settings. A strong presence allows instructors to capture attention, inspire trust, and leave a long lasting impression.
One key takeaway for me is that projecting presence online requires being intentional about communication and engagement. Regular updates, timely feedback, and participation in discussions help students feel supported and connected. I also see the value in using a warm tone and adding short videos to humanize the course.
Traditional classroom strategies that are similar to the online teaching environment include knowing how to influence, persuade, inspire, and energize student. Also, learning how to project your presence as an online instructor include initiating or leading synchronous discussions, oversee projects, participate in discussion, and answer students questions and providing constructive feedback. A method for projecting instructor authority include academic credentials, professional experience, and achievements which can be shared with a brief biography. An effective way to get to know your students is to ask them to post a brief biography about themselves to include their name, academic background, employment history, reason for taking course, expectations of the instructor, and any special hobbies. Posting an instructor biography and student posting on the first day of class helps build a learning community.
Discussion question participation and projecting engagement in different activities doesn't take much for a professor to have their presence noted by students in those online activities or assignments.
Staying engaged and being visible to students will help in online learning.
In this module, I learnt how important it is to maintain a presence in my online learning strategies by engaging with students and not over-whelming the conversation by posting too much in the discussion forum.
Sometimes I sent messages to students I perceived as disengaged, but I was often ghosted. Anyway, I know that connections are relevant, so I also use in-person individual chat to stimulate participation and learning.
I learned that you have to establish yourself by providing your credentials, your achievements and background info, it will give insight to your students and will allow students to respect you as well.
By providing a brief biography of you yourself to the students, they will be able to understand the instruction you provide is valid and supported. Asking them to provide their own biography, allows you to make a connection through shared knowledge with each individual.
It's so important to build the individual relationship with each student. I am definitely going to be posting a brief biography this week and also assign the same for all students so we can break the ice a little more.
Building strong connections with students helps create a welcoming and effective learning environment. Sharing a brief introduction about yourself and encouraging students to do the same can strengthen classroom community. Keeping communication open is also important. Reaching out to disengaged students with a respectful and supportive message shows care for their progress and can motivate them to participate again.
One good thing to do is post a video bio
Building rapport with students is essential for creating a positive and productive learning environment. One effective way to begin is by introducing yourself through a short bio that highlights both your professional background and a few personal details. Inviting students to create and share their own bios encourages connection and helps build a sense of community within the class.
Maintaining that rapport also requires ongoing attention. If a student seems disengaged, reaching out with a thoughtful, respectful email can make a meaningful difference. Using a supportive and diplomatic tone shows that you are concerned about their success rather than simply addressing a problem. This kind of communication helps students feel seen and supported, which can encourage them to re-engage and stay on track.
The instructors should share their qualifications and professional experience with students, which helps foster a relationship with them.
One of the most important aspects of engaging students in the online classroom is to establish yourself by posting a biography. The opportunity not only allows for self-reflection, but also establishes instructor presence, which is vital in the online environment.
It is recommended for an instructor to create a biography which includes credentials to build rapport and show the students your competency. Set aside time frame for students to be able to reach out when in need of help. Set reminders for upcoming assignments can help navigate you during the online course.
Going through each student’s profile and get familiar with their background can help in online learning. Creating a more personal connection to help them feel like we are also people not just instructors.
Creating a human connection with your students that goes beyond the academic relationship goes a long way. In our field, and in our industry, many of our students come to us in an attempt to acquire a life structure they do not have at home.
Comment on Ami Petrulak's post: Building a genuine connection with students is key. Having everyone share a short bio is a great way to break the ice and create a sense of community early on. It also helps you learn more about their backgrounds and interests, which can make your interactions more meaningful. Reaching out individually to students who seem disengaged is also important—approaching those conversations with tact and understanding can make them feel supported rather than singled out, and often encourages them to participate more.
