Online Course Peer Review Rubric standard I.5 states: The self-introductions by the instructor and student mentor (if utilized) are available and appropriate.

Ideally, an instructor’s introduction will go beyond the essentials which might include the instructor’s name, title, field of expertise, and contact information. Including information such as past experiences with teaching online, personal teaching philosophies, hobbies, and so on can help to create a sense of connection between the instructor and the students. Building that connection can help to put nervous students at ease, as they may feel more comfortable asking course-related questions of both the instructor and fellow classmates.

• Welcome students to your class in the homepage news area.  Specifically tell them what they should do first upon entering your class.  Include in your message how they can contact you.
• Include an Ask the Instructor/Ask the Class forum on the discussion board.  Encourage students to ask class-related questions there instead of via email.  Other students will benefit from the questions and responses.
• Remind students to read the syllabus and other important course information carefully.
• Consider putting a photo of the required textbook (or other materials) in the news area.
• Encourage (or require) students to introduce themselves to one another in the discussion area.  Introduce yourself, too!
• Remember to include the course description and outcomes, word-for-word, from the official course outline on your syllabus.  Peggy Gustofson has all official course outlines available online and will email them to faculty, upon request.
  

Have a great semester — and remember to check in weekly for tips and online peer review updates!