1.11 Instructor Introduction

Examples include an instructor introduction page within the course orientation module; instructor introduction information included in the syllabus; instructor introduction video included on the home page.

Points: 1 (Important)

QM Alignment: 1.8

Overview

Your introduction to your students helps build a sense of community and connection between you and your students.

Introduce yourself to your students with a text and/or video message. Talk about your background, your interests, your hobbies, etc. if you wish. Here are some additional suggestions: Tell students about your experience and teaching style. Provides tips for success in the class. Express enthusiasm for the content, your students, and their experience in the course.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I just put the welcome message in an announcement?
  • You should send a welcome announcement, too, but you might also include the essential information (including a welcome video) in a page in case any students miss the announcement, start the course late, etc.
• Does the welcome message have to be a video?
  • Not necessarily, but a welcome video is a great way for students to quickly get to know you and the course expectations. Instructor-created videos help humanize your online course and increase instructor presence (standard 8.1).
  • You could use Canvas Studio to quickly record a welcome video right in your browser.

Examples

• HCC Canvas Starter Kit – Meet Your Instructor page

Resources

• Instructor Welcome Message: Creating a Positive Presence in Your Online Course
• Introduce Yourself with a Video or include your introduction in your course orientation video (see standard 1.2) which might include these components: 
  • welcome students
  • introduce yourself
  • introduce the course
  • give a tour of how to navigate the course
  • and tell students what to do the first week.
• Canvas Studio Guide – easiest way to create and embed a video in your course
• Embed the video in a page if you choose