Preparing for the Start of Your Course
Don’t leave students feeling lost and confused; show them around!
There’s nothing quite like the first day in a face-to-face class—you finally get to meet your students, and they get to meet you. You spend time introducing yourselves, reviewing the syllabus, discussing assignments and expectations, and answering any questions they might have. This first day is crucial for establishing a learning community and helping students start off on the right foot.
But how can you replicate this all-important experience in an online course? Like nearly everything in online teaching, it requires intentional planning.
Introduce Yourself with Video
- Allow students to get a sense of your personality and teaching style.
- Welcome, students, to class. Smile!
- Discuss your educational background, experience, and why you love teaching this course.
- Share a personal detail, such as hobbies, travel, family, or pets.
Provide a Course Overview
- Show students where key tools are located—such as discussion boards, assignment submission areas, and other resources.
- Explain how to navigate the course.
- Highlight learning outcomes and clearly communicate your expectations for students.
Create a “Start Here” Module or Page
- Give students a step-by-step guide to getting started in the course:
- Watch your introduction video and the course overview screencast.
- Read the syllabus and course policies.
- Lead them to directions for the first activity.
Spend Time Being Present
- Send a welcome letter that shares pertinent information and helps students get started successfully.
- The first day of class, post a welcome announcement to greet students and set the tone for the course.
- Check in via email, especially with students who have not yet participated, to encourage engagement and provide support.
- Remind students of important due dates and upcoming activities to help them stay on track.
Meet & Greet
- Make the first activity a discussion board post for students to introduce themselves.
- Provide clear guidelines for what students should include in their posts to set expectations and ensure meaningful engagement.
- Encourage students to post a brief introduction along with a picture.
- Share recommendations for how to respond to peers and make connections