Connecting with students remotely, before the first day of class!

The importance of developing a sense of community in the college classroom has been well-documented for decades. However, before we start building a community of learners in our courses, students have to know how to access the course and it helps to make them aware of the cultural norms expected in a remote learning environment. Communicating these key components of our courses may not always be at the top of our minds, but it can be an important first step towards making our students feel welcome, supported, and prepared to learn in the remote environment. But, determining what exactly and how much information we should share with students before the first class is also a balancing act. A little bit of priming can make for a much smoother start to the term; at the same time, it’s important that we don’t overwhelm our students or expect too much before the course actually begins.

The following frequently asked questions may help you consider what information to post in Drexel Blackboard Learn or share through an email prior to the start of your first day of class. Using a list of questions that your students may have about the class can help you identify the key course information you may want to share with them.

Questions Frequently Asked by Online Students Before the First Day of Class:

• Where can I find course materials, such as the syllabus and directions for assignments?
• Will class meet synchronously through Zoom, Blackboard Ultra Collaborate or another platform?
• What steps do I need to take to connect?
• What technology will I need to participate?
• Is there a practice session or training video that will help me become familiar with the technologies we will be using in the course?
• Who should I contact for technology-related questions or tech-troubleshooting?
• What are your expectations in terms of attendance, etiquette and participation?
• How can I contact you if I have questions or concerns about the course?
• What advice do you have about being a successful online or remote student?

Looking for more ways to welcome your students to your course? This Faculty Focus article shares three pedagogical approaches to welcoming students in online courses.