E-Learning Instructor Guide
Create a discussion forum and label it
Introductory
Discussion Forum. This can serve as the Census Activity (see 2.4). Suggest in the prompt that students introduce
themselves to the class. Ask additional questions to demonstrate your interest
in getting to know your students. Questions should pertain to information that
is of general interest such as:
·
Why did you decide to take this class?
·
Is this your first online course?
·
What do you expect to learn in this class?
Welcome each student to the course. A welcome from the instructor begins to build
a connection between the instructor and students. Students, typically, follow
the instructor’s example and begin to welcome and converse with other students;
thus, a student–to-student connection begins to develop. Students will sense
that they are a part of the learning environment rather than experience
feelings of isolation. When the instructor–student–content bond is
strengthened, transactional distance diminishes. Distance, therefore, equates
to degree of relationship, not location. Students, who are learning from a
distance, can experience a close association with the learning environment when
social presence heightens.