Are you currently designing or redesigning an online course? If so, you’ve probably created a checklist of items to help guide you through the process of building the course. You may have already checked items off the list such as:

• Course syllabus and course schedule created
• Discussion forums setup
• Content uploaded to course site

Seems like you’re well on your way to having your online course built. However, there is one very important component that you may not have yet thought about. How will you introduce yourself to your online students? During the first meeting of a face-to-face course, do you typically spend a few minutes greeting your students and introducing yourself? Many of us dedicate a little bit of time during our first class meeting of the semester to introductions and making that all important first impression. But, is this possible in an online course? Absolutely! Most laptop and desktop computers are equipped with webcams that make recording an introductory video for your online course simple and quick. 

Research statistics recently shared in an article in Campus Technology showed that introductions within an online course help students form stronger connections to their instructors. Many online students state that feeling connected to their instructor positively impacted their overall performance in the course and also led to higher overall ratings for the course.

So, fire up that webcam on your computer and start recording! You’re students can’t wait to meet you.

Have questions related to online teaching and learning? Contact Kristy Conger (kconger@uthsc.edu / 901-448-2253).

Image provided via Creative Commons copyright license and obtained from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LifeCam#mediaviewer/File:Lifecam_vx-3000.jpg