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First Day of Class Checklist
Video Presentation Tips
Encouraging Interaction
"One Moment Please"

First Day of Class

The first day of class is the most important one for the course, regardless of which technology you will use as your primary delivery medium (videoconference or online). A good first impression goes a long way. If the first day goes well, you are off to a good start. If it goes poorly, you have damage control to perform. Of course, you can't control the technical side if difficulties occur, but you can control how the content is delivered. Here are some suggestions:

For text-only PowerPoint presentations, arrive 30 minutes in advance.

For presentations that involve video clips, photographs or slides come to DE Center at least one day prior to meeting.

Recap the course goals and objectives. Begin by telling people what will happen in the course.

Solve problems as best you can. Direct students to appropriate technical or administrative help. Students may need help registering for the class, setting up e-mail accounts, or securing course materials. Heading off problems on the first day does much to establish a good first impression.

Invite interaction immediately. As soon as you can, invite your students to participate and contribute.

Give them your best stuff. Don't wait until the second week to start your presentation. Start off strong the first week and jump right into the content. The first module should be as strong or stronger than the rest of the course.

Review the following tips as you prepare yourself to deliver a video-based course. More detailed information can be found under "Video Presentation Style" in the Course Production module.

Tips for videotape, streaming video, and videoconferencing:

• Limit walking around.
• Avoid quick, wide-sweeping hand movements
• Be sure to address the camera.
• Ensure your microphone is properly placed.
• Make your clothing selection carefully, avoiding pure white or black and detailed patterns.
• Avoid big, shiny jewelry.

Tips specific to videoconferencing:

• Pause more often than in a traditional face-to-face setting.
• Invite interaction

Tips for handling stage fright (more details):

• Be prepared.
• Take a deep breath, get a drink of water, laugh, or yawn.
• Review taped presentations.
• Prepare your voice.

The best suggestion to encourage interaction is to be encouraging. Whether in a chat session, bulletin board discussion, or live videoconference, nothing brings out comments more than a teacher who makes positive, encouraging comments to students. Following are some specific techniques to encourage interaction in distance education courses:

• Compliment students when they ask questions. It's sometimes difficult for students to open up and ask questions online or in a videoconference. When they do, tell them they did a good job.
• Allow others to respond to questions and make comments. Keep the discussion moving; don't shut it off.
• Look for connections among comments. Try to connect several students' comments or questions, citing similarities or differences among them. This encourages conversation.
• Build confidence in insecure learners. Don't be condescending. Instead keep the insecure student's desire to learn alive.
• Offer rewards. It could be a positive comment or an information "gift," such as a link to a new Web site. Rewards should be positive reinforcements.
• Encourage shy students. In an online environment, these shy students sometimes are called "lurkers." Some like to be quiet and learn that way, but there are times when teachers must draw out shy students, possibly through group assignments. One thing to avoid here is embarrassing reserved, shy students.

One last word about technical difficulties: relax. It doesn't make you feel exceptionally good inside when you know that your students are experiencing Technical Difficulties, Please Stand By. As with any other electronic medium, there may be some technical glitches, but as more classes are distributed via a video-based medium, technical difficulties will become less of a problem. Students will overlook some glitches if they get the content they need. They will also take your cue on how to react to any problems. If you are relaxed and prepared with alternatives, the experience will not be so negative.

Next, review tips for delivering a web-based course.