It is occasionally thought of that our students are digital natives who will embrace any new technology and intuitively know how to use it. While this is often the case, most students do need an orientation to online and blended learning. This article provides some best practices for introducing students to Courseware, which includes EdgeEX and Edgenuity courses.
Welcome letter
One best practice for quality online instruction is for teachers to introduce themselves early and clearly so students know who is supporting them, how to communicate, and how to begin the course. This customizable welcome message can be personalized by the assigned teacher and posted within the course site. It includes space for the instructor’s name, role, teaching background, support approach, communication options, office hourse or help sessions, response times, feedback timelines, participation expectations, leraner-to-learner interaction expectations, grading and course completion expectations, late work policies, and academic integrity expectations.
Teachers may customize the welcome letter to reflect local school or district policies and instructional models. This is especially helpful when expectations for grading, pacing, late work, communication, feedback, participation, collaboration, or course completion are determined locally.
Make the welcome letter available to students by:
- Posting it in the discussion board.
- Emailing it to students at the beginning of the course to reinforce course expectations, communication, and available support.
- Adding it to the course syllabus or another learner-facing course location, when available.
- Sharing it through another communication method used by the teacher, school, or district.
Introducing Students to Courseware guide
This guide is designed to provide a framework an educator can use to:
- Introduce your students to Courseware.
- Communicate routines and classroom policies.
- Explain how students should begin and navigate the course.
- Teach strategies for how to be an effective online learner.
- Clarify expectations for participation, pacing, communication, learner interaction, academic integrity, and support.