When I started this course, I did some things to humanize my course online. I used pictures (granted usually the professional ones), had a student "Get to Know You" survey, and provided links to office hours and important resources. I did things, but not necessarily with much thought to how these things worked and were viewed by students. I left word comments to students on assignments, but didn't use much video. My videos were embedded and used pages to help students move through material. I did everything at a basic level, but never allowed the students to get a sense of who I really am.
I've gained more confidence in allowing myself to be "human" and to allow the students to see that. Additionally, I learned more about tools that can be used to humanize the online experience. I had never used Adobe Express and enjoyed the experience of using it as a tool to humanize and engage students. I find that leaving video feedback isn't too bad, but still intimidating as I don't like doing video a lot. Generally when I am grading it is later in the day after I have gotten ready for bed. I feel exposed by not being professional looking in videos. This could be used as part of humanizing the course and allow students to see that you are human just like them. The tools/skills I have learned, I am already incorporating into courses.
Where I am going.
The Liquid Syllabus is a huge component of where I see lots of growth opportunity for me. I want to humanize myself to my students before the coures even starts in hopes that this will open the door of communication with them. Items used in this course can also be used for in-person courses especially in courses that have large number of students. This will allow you as a faculty member to have more personal interaction with students. In encouraging students to develop relationships not only with faculty, but with their peers we are helping them gain valuable life skills. Students today seem to have a hard time connecting if it isn't via text. Hopefully, in using video submission, it will open students up and allow them to communicate more effectively all the way around.