It can be tempting to think that all students today know how to properly present themselves when engaging in an online space. However, that’s not the case. At the beginning of any course it’s important to ask students to meet some basic expectations when it comes to their digital persona.

First, students should check their profiles. Are their names written correctly? If there is the option to include nicknames or pronouns? Is their contact information correct and up to date? Most profiles provide the option to include a photo. If so, an updated photo should be shared. This should typically be a head shot style photo where the face is visible and personal artifacts are at a minimum. So, for example, hats, funny faces, and miming actions should be avoided.

Sometimes the student profile will provide space for a short autobiographical blurb. This is great, but I also recommend creating a discussion board space for student introductions. Here learners can post their personal “elevator pitch”. If you aren’t familiar with an elevator pitch, it’s a short description that explains in plan language what the individual is all about. It’s called an elevator pitch because it’s short enough that one can rattle it off in the span of time it would take to ride an elevator a few floors. To simplify things for students you might ask for their name, educational background, location, a fun fact, and what they’re hoping to gain from the course.

Last but not least it’s important to have a discussion with learners about synchronous sessions and video camera usage. Students should aim to display a professional background, preferably one which is not cluttered or messy. If this is not possible, students should use a filter to blur their location. When in doubt, a plain white wall is always a good option.