Building Rapport with Students

This week, I learned about ways to build rapport with students online.
Frankly, I never realized how important it is to add a personal touch to the online course, until I read this week's articles and watched the webnars.  I tend to shy away from sharing personal information on line, and I would have never imagined to shoot an introduction video by my pool with my pet on my lap.  So, looks like I need to change my expectations slightly.  I liked the Prezi made by Heather Farmakis.  This presentation made me want to start using Prezi as a teaching tool.

So, here's the summary of what I learned about building rapport with students.

• Before the course begins, create and share a short presentation about your course and who you are
• During the 1st week, create activities to get to know each student, such as introductory survey and pretest.  
• I suppose this is similar to an index card I used to have my students fill out on the 1st day of class.  In face-to-face class, I have my students write their course expectations, what they already know about the subject, etc on an index card.  I used this information during my course to address any question they may have during specific topic or try to tailer my lecture to some of the students interest.  
• Blogging is a good tool for building global collaboration, and show case students' work.  Students will perform better for authentic audience.  Blogging can be used for introductory activity or classroom projects.
• 5 factors for building rapport
1. Respect for each other and to the institution.
• Perhaps at the beginning of the course, have an honor code/ code of conduct posted and clearly stated about what the expectations are on posting comments.
2. Approachability.
• Every students have their preferred method of communication and the instructor should be able to accommodate that.  
• Be flexible.
• Instructor should log into the class at least once a day and respond to the students request within 12 hours (24 hours at least!)
• Hold an office hour at least once a week for a few hours.  This is where the instructor is logged on and able to respond to the questions.
• These information should be clearly stated and informed to the students.
• Weekly (3 times a week) email updates from TOMOOC course has been great.
• Define parameters and let them know.  Students do not expect you to be available 24/7, unless you give them that impression.
3. Open communication. Honesty.
• Be true to your words
• Again, be true to your stated expectation
4. Caring
• If faculty cares about students, students will do better in class.
• Refer to students by their name in discussions.
• Make personal connections with students, especially those with extenuating circumstances, missing classes etc.
• Let the students know that you believe they are capable of doing the work and you are available for help. 
• Send encouraging or job well done emails, or just include a note at the beginning or end of an email.
• Give feedback, individually or as a group
• Have listening ears to student feedback and let them know you welcome them
5. Positive attitude
• Give positive enforcement to students
• Be open to student comments
• Make the course friendly- use of animation, emoticons, humor etc.