Tips for communicating with students in online classes

The syllabus is a fundamental, formal document that guides students and provides them with a clear orientation about the content, objectives, and rules of the course. It functions as a starting point and a basic frame of reference to which students can return throughout the semester. However, a written document alone is often not enough to achieve the welcome and clarity that students need at the beginning. That is why it is recommended to supplement it with additional forms of orientation that will bring the course closer to students in a more accessible and personal way.

One effective way is to record a short welcome video in which the teacher personally greets the students, introduces themselves and the course, and briefly outlines what to expect. Video adds a human dimension to the course and reduces distance, especially in an online environment. Another form is to post a welcome message via email or a forum in the Moodle LMS, which gives students a sense of inclusion even before the first meeting. Alternatively, a special orientation page for the course can be created in the Moodle LMS that gathers all the key information in one place.

Such an orientation can be thought of as the equivalent of the first hour of class, when the teacher would typically present the main elements of the course. It should include an overview of key assignments and deadlines, a list of required and recommended readings and resources, and a clear picture of what students will learn or discover during the course. It is equally important to emphasize what students can expect from the course and the teacher, while also reminding them of previously set expectations for themselves (e.g., mode of participation, pace of activities, assessment criteria).