Although there are plenty of other solid approaches, the most valuable in my experience is the use of videos in the classroom. Students respond very positively to instructor-created content. This includes developing weekly video announcements to touch base and let students know what will be discussed that week, assignment videos that clearly show how to successfully complete their work, and, most valuable, the welcome to class videos in end-of-course surveys.
Students overwhelmingly report in end-of-course surveys the value of these videos. While it may mean stepping outside your comfort zone, making short videos will absolutely accomplish several goals, including putting students at ease, showing your personality, giving students a face to go with the name, and demonstrating that you are there to help each of them be successful.
Videos humanize you in the eyes of your students and make it clear that you are approachable and want to help. In the four years of creating video content for my students, the number of total views is in the tens of thousands, so the results are clear. Students love the videos and the sense of connection that go with them. Videos are incredibly easy to create, and you do not need to be a tech wizard to create professional-level content.
One of the biggest obstacles for instructors is their fear of appearing on camera, but students are not expecting a perfect video with flawless delivery. They genuinely appreciate the effort, as shown by strong end-of-course survey results and student comments about instructors who have dared to make the leap — more of a hop really — to video. If you are nervous about creating that first video, reach out to a colleague who has created video content, and use their examples of what to do (or what not to do). Building positive relationships with students is worth stepping outside your comfort zone.
It can be challenging to develop rapport with students in any setting — and especially in the asynchronous online format. However, if an instructor is willing to employ the approaches I have offered above, they will see significant benefits. Students will appreciate the effort, feel more comfortable and confident, and as a result, they will likely be more successful within your course. By being able to answer the question "Am I approachable?" with a resounding “Yes!” you will be helping improve the odds that your students will do well and continue to progress in their educational journey.
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Approved by Online Full-Time Faculty for the College of Education on Oct. 24, 2022.
