Research into the social and emotional dimensions of learning indicates that a sense of social disconnection from instructors and peers impedes learning, and disproportionately impacts underrepresented students. How can you create community and social presence in your online course to benefit all of your students?
Some ideas:
Communicate early, often, and if possible 1:1, with students (e.g., pre-course survey, welcome video, course announcements, assigned time for each student to visit office hours)
Provide synchronous and asynchronous opportunities for students to work together and get to know each other (e.g., icebreakers (ideas here and here), group work, peer feedback on work, informal time before or after class to socialize).
Create opening, midpoint, or closing class rituals (e.g., opening check-ins, midway music breaks, ending shareouts).
Convey recognition and value for each student’s identity and circumstances (e.g., confirm name pronunciations and attend to pronouns, invite but do not require video participation, encourage Chat contributions).
NOTE: Some browsers such as Safari may ask you to "authorize" Poll Everywhere. If you're not comfortable doing this, please use this link to submit your responses.