No matter what kind of situation you are in, introducing yourself to several people at the same time can be nerve wracking. Being surrounded by people you don’t know can become overwhelming, and it is important that you feel confident, so you give a good first impression. Before you start an online class, it may not cross your mind to introduce yourself to your instructor and your classmates because you will not physically be with them but doing so will show that you care and are ready to make connections. We want you to feel prepared before you start your online class, so we have shared some tips on how to introduce yourself to your class and instructor and why it is important.
Why a Proper Introduction Matters
When you start an online class, you may not be thinking of the importance of introducing yourself, or you may think that it does not matter whether you introduce yourself at all. Even if your interactions only happen online, you should still know the significance that a proper introduction to your instructor and peers can have.
When learning online, you won’t have face-to-face contact with your instructor or class like you would in the physical classroom. Giving a proper introduction will give you the chance to show your personality, build relationships, and allow others to feel comfortable interacting with you. This introduction is your first chance to show your instructor that you are ready to learn and thrive during your college career. When you are building out and planning your introduction, there are a few tips that you should follow to ensure that you have all your bases covered.
Tips to Introducing Yourself in an Online Class
1. Prepare your introduction ahead of time:
Introducing yourself should not be a scary experience. You can make your intro as brief or as detailed as you would like. Being prepared will make you feel more confident in the way that you are approaching your introduction and will give you time to ensure that you include all the details you feel are important. This introduction is the first glimpse that your peers and instructor will have of you, so it is important that you add all the pieces that highlight you.
2. Details to include:
Besides the basics that you put in your introduction such as your name, where you’re from, your program, and your expected graduation date, other things you can mention are what you do for work, your hobbies, and even what you want to get out of the class. Talk about the degree you are working on earning and how this class will benefit you in your future role. Keep it personable and give others the opportunity to learn more about who you are and your dedication to not only the class but also your program.
3. Use a professional tone:
Ensuring that your instructor and class see that you are a friendly person is important, but it is crucial that you use a professional tone. You do not have to be overly professional, but you want to make sure that it is clear you are dedicated to your coursework and are invested in your class. No matter whether your introduction is in a video or written in a discussion board or an email, your professional tone will set the perception of who you are for the duration of the class.
4. Respond to your classmates:
Responding to your classmates is an important way to show that you care about what other people are saying. Learning about your instructor and others in your class will give you a better understanding of who these individuals are and what you can expect. Having these connections with others will allow you to build relationships that give you the ability to work with others on assignments and more. Showing your classmates that you are invested in their stories as much as your own proves that you are trying to be as successful as possible by getting to know others that you can work with. Being actively involved in your discussion boards shows your instructor that you are participating and are ready to learn.
Example of How to Introduce Yourself
To know exactly what you should put in your introduction, look up credible examples that guide you in the right direction to get your point across along with showing the class who you are. Blue the Bobcat has shared his introduction from his Blackboard discussion with you for your first example:
Original source can be found here.
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