I.4 The self-introduction by the instructor is appropriate.

(Important Standard -- 1 point)

Expectations

• 1. This is an important piece to start your course and is an effective way to let the students get to know things about you, such as those they would only learning by meeting with you one-on-one in the classroom.

  2. This can also be part of your welcome letter or syllabus.

  3. The initial introduction creates a sense of connection between the instructor and the students. It should present the instructor as professional as well as approachable, and include more than the essentials, such as the instructor’s name, title field of experience, email address and phone.

  4. It could include:

     • information on your teaching philosophy

     • past experiences with teaching online

     • personal info that you might want to share like hobbies and a photograph of yourself

     • your personal website

Examples

• • Introducing yourself can be as a first assignment in the discussion boards in D2L. Simply request the students introduce themselves to you and the others, and preface the request with your introduction. This has a number of advantages, over other introduction activities:

    • It satisfies the DOE requirements of an engagement activity.

    • It encourages the development of a student community.

    • Part of the research that led to the development of this rubric clearly illustrates that the earlier students are engaged into the course, and the more frequently they are required to do so, the more successful they will be.