Creating an online learning environment where students feel welcomed and supported can significantly impact their engagement and success.
Build on your already welcoming course environment, by trying one or two new strategies that resonate with you, and as you feel ready, explore adding more.
Personalize Your Introduction
Start by posting a personal introduction video or message. Share your background, your excitement about the course, and a few personal details to help students see you as approachable and invested in their success.
Establish Consistent Communication
Create a predictable communication schedule, such as weekly check-ins or announcements. Regular communication reduces student anxiety and makes them feel more connected to you and the course. Offer clarification and recognition of student activity in the course to show you are present. Communicate time frames for grading and responding to student emails.
Use Warm, Supportive Language
Whether in the syllabus, module and assignment overviews, announcements, emails, or feedback, use warm, respectful, and encouraging language to foster a supportive atmosphere. Show an interest in students' questions and perspectives. Address students by name when possible, and consider replacing phrases like "the student" with "you" to create a more personal connection.
Encourage Interaction
Set up opportunities for students to interact with each other and with you through discussion boards, video responses, mobile texting, or live web conferencing sessions. Invite students to reach out to you or their classmates when they need assistance. Building community within your course can make a significant difference in students' engagement, satisfaction, and retention.
Use Informal Video and Photos
Quick, personalized video check-ins and assignment feedback videos convey warmth, authenticity and approachability. Students get a sense of who you are as a person, beyond your role as an authority figure or evaluator. Informal videos can lower barriers and create a sense of closeness.
Introduce readings in an inviting manner
Sharing personal insights or excitement about readings or video content can draw students in. You could offer a few questions that focus attention on central themes, direct students to important aspects/sections of the text, or link to topics that may be relevant to students’ experiences, fields of study, future careers, or real world applications. Offering guidance on how materials relate to learning activities and assessments, or suggestions that help guide study efforts shows consideration of students' time.
Strategies that help connect instructors and students one-on-one
Be Personable
Include personal examples or experiences outside the course. Share the information you find interesting, or give your commentary on something in the course or in everyday life. Address students by name. Communicate with individual students beyond coursework. Check in when students are absent. Encourage students often to reach out if they have questions or want to discuss something.
Welcome Surveys
At the start of the course, send out a survey asking students about their goals, background, learning preferences, and any challenges they anticipate. Use the insight into each student to tailor your support and understand your class community. Consider sharing similar background information about yourself with students.
Personal Introduction Posts
Encourage students to introduce themselves on a discussion board, sharing their interests, goals, and something unique about them. Consider responding to each introduction to show that you're actively interested in their backgrounds.
Video or Audio Check-Ins
Schedule brief, one-on-one video or audio calls with each student during the first weeks of the course. These informal meetings can help break the ice and give you a sense of their personalities, goals, and any initial concerns.
Discussion Board Engagement
Participate in discussion boards by responding to individual posts. Ask follow-up questions to show you’re listening and let students know you’re interested in their unique perspectives. Strike a balance between guiding the conversation and allowing students to take the lead.
Weekly Reflections or Journals
Encourage students to submit weekly reflections or journals where they share their thoughts on the material and the personal connections they’re making. Review these regularly to learn more about each student’s progress and interests.
Personalized Feedback
Personalized comments that mention specific aspects of a student’s submission signal that you’re invested in their progress. Offer thoughtful feedback with clear guidance on how students can improve and grow.
We invite you to reach out to your eCampus partners for support in implementing these strategies. Whether you need help with technology, creating engaging course elements, or integrating these ideas into your online course, we’re here to assist you every step of the way. Let’s work together to create a welcoming and supportive learning environment for your students!
