1.12 Student Introductions

Ask students to introduce themselves to the class. Examples include an introductions discussion forum included in the orientation module, individual introductions during the first live synchronous class session.

Points: 1 (Important)

QM Alignment: 1.9

Overview

During the first week of the class, give students a chance to “warm up” and engage with one another.  Provide an opportunity for students to introduce themselves via discussion board, icebreaker activity, or other community building exercise.

Common Issues

• No opportunity for students to get to know each other.

Examples

• The HCC Canvas Starter Kit Orientation Module has a sample introductory discussion activity (not visible publicly, however
• Sample online icebreakers
  • Online icebreaking examples
  • 5 Creative Icebreaker Assignments
  • Online Icebreaker Activities

Sample introductory discussion prompt

Learning Outcomes

• Introduce yourself to your peers and instructor
• Create at least two personal learning goals for this course

Instructions

Please share something about yourself and reply to at least two (2) of your peers. Please include the following:

1. Name:
2. Major:
3. My learning goals for this course:
4. My 2 favorite hobbies or interests:

Please respond to at least two of your peers by selecting the “Reply” button below.

Tutorial: How do I reply to a discussion as a student?

Grading Rubric for Discussion

Resources

• Canvas Discussions
  • How do I create a discussion in Canvas?
  • You can add rubrics to your canvas discussions. This helps with grading, too – be sure to check that option when editing the rubric to ‘use this rubric for grading’. 
• Here are some resources and guidance on designing discussion activities, such as an introductory discussion.
  • There are many reasons to incorporate online discussions in courses, including face-to-face classes.  Here are some sample discussion prompts, discussion rubrics, and discussion expectations to help you with designing effective online discussion activities.  Mastering the art of facilitation is also one key to getting students to participate in online discussions.
• Video Introductions. Video discussions can make an online class feel like a face-to-face or live class, increasing student and instructor presence and humanizing your online course. See the tutorials below for some different options.
  • Using the Microsoft Flip video discussion board in Canvas
  • Students can also record videos in regular canvas discussions without needing to use Microsoft Flip. Here’s a tutorial for students:
    • How do I embed Canvas Studio media in a discussion reply in Canvas as a student?
    • How do I record media using the rich content editor as a student?