Students in college today have many new ways to get to know each other — especially those that are directed at an online classroom.
There are many ways to break the ice, make introductions, and some are more effective than others. These tips will help make your online classroom experience more enjoyable.
How students can introduce themselves
What can you do for students to get to know one another in an online course?
Consider the setting. Students should remember that the way they introduce themselves at parties or in dorms will likely be different from what they would say in an online class. Students should offer a mix of professional and personal information. If possible, students could include a photo of themselves or links to professional social media pages or websites.
How students can work together online successfully
While students may not meet their classmates in their online classrooms in person, they will need to find a way for them to get to know one another and work together to achieve success. Ryan Watkins, Michael Corry and their book E-Learning Companion, Student’s Guide To Online Success, 4th Edition (Watkins, Corry, 10-11), explain that students need to have a positive relationship from the start with their fellow students. To make a good first impression, students could “Volunteer to create a Facebook group for their class or post notes in a blog for other students to review before the first test.”
Students should give contact information to their classmates and group members. It is important that students keep track of deadlines, especially for group projects. Students should communicate clearly with their online classmates and keep it professional.
How to make your online class a success
What makes online learning successful? Heather Kauffman contributed her ideas to “A Review of Predictive factors of Student Success in Online Learning” in the January 1, 2015 issue of Research in Learning Technology.
Kauffman cited this study:
The results showed that time management and course design were key components of online learning success. However, online learners found it most difficult to find community and solve technical problems.
These factors were essential to ensure satisfaction among college students in online classes:
self-motivation
A learning style that is appropriate
Instructor knowledge and feedback
Student interactions
Course structure
Refer to
Corry, Michael, and Watkins Ryan. 2014, E-Learning Companion for Students: Student’s Guide To Online Success, 4th edition, Boston, MA: Cengage Learning.