Building a connection with online students through faculty welcome videos

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Session Description

With online/virtual learning platforms at the forefront of higher education, faculty need to focus on how to connect with their students virtually.  One strategy that should be considered is the use of videos.  Research has proven that when faculty make and share videos, students can feel more connected (McMurtrie, 2020). Specifically, the use of welcome videos created by faculty and posted in an online forum can help establish rapport and a sense of community.

Therefore, the goal of this presentation is to discuss and elicit participant interaction based on the following questions:

  1. What platforms can faculty welcome videos be created on?
  2. What specific elements should be included in a faculty welcome video?
  3. How can faculty promote connection with students based on the use of welcome videos?

As part of a discussion around these questions, the authors will share relevant research and personal experience based on their use of welcome videos in the online classroom.  As full-time faculty teaching at one of the largest distance education universities in the United States, the authors have researched this topic as part of a project on creating a sense of community in the online classroom.

Presenter(s)

Tracy Crawford
University of Phoenix

Tracy Crawford, MAEd, is a full-time faculty member teaching entry point and foundational courses for the College of General Studies with University of Phoenix where she has been working as a staff member for the past 16 years. She earned a Master’s degree in Education – Curriculum & Instruction/Adult Education Distance Learning and completed a Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Education Program for her Elementary teaching certificate. Tracy has been involved in education not only as a teacher and administrator, but also as a volunteer with United Way as a volunteer Reading Buddy, Head Start, Art Masterpiece and she has served as a Faculty Supervisor for student teachers. Tracy is a Certified Advanced Facilitator, has served as a Faculty Trainer, and facilitated both faculty and student workshops at University of Phoenix. Tracy's true passion is helping students learn and grow!

Jennifer Romano
University of Phoenix

Jennifer is a graduate of Auburn University, receiving her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in Mass Communication. While attending graduate school at Auburn, Jennifer was an instructor of Public Speaking. Upon graduating she became an adjunct professor at The University of South Alabama in Mobile, Alabama, followed by a full time instructor at Faulkner State Community College (now Coastal Community College) in Gulf Shores, Alabama. She taught communication and public speaking courses at both colleges. Then in 2007 Jennifer became a full time faculty member at Huntingdon College in Montgomery, Alabama, followed by Herzing University in Birmingham, Alabama; she was an instructor of mass communication, public speaking and humanities course. In 2013 Jennifer became a full time faculty member at University of Phoenix, where she is currently working as a full time instructor of General Studies and Humanities courses. She has over 16 years of experience with online instruction and LOVES being an instructor at University of Phoenix!

Lauren Critchley
University of Phoenix

Lauren Critchley has taught college level English courses for over 20 years, focusing mostly on composition courses and is currently a Full-Time Faculty member in the College of General Studies at University of Phoenix. She has an MA in English from University of North Florida and a BA in English from Brigham Young University. Lauren works closely with students to fully ground them in fundamentals of effective communication, both written and verbal and integrates technology to enhance learning.

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