3.2 Setting out welcoming messages

Read through the three welcome messages below which provide an example of some different approaches used to engage students starting an online course.

‘Welcome to this online course on “Developing your social skills”. My name is Kyaw and I am your online facilitator. I look forward to getting to know you all in the coming weeks. Please post a message to introduce yourself.’

‘This online course commences 3rd September 2020, so please post a message before then to introduce yourself, and tell us a bit about your expectations and the reasons why you have enrolled on this course.’

‘A very warm welcome to the online course on “Learning to cook Myanmar food”which starts on 1st October 2020. My name is Myo, and my role on this course is to facilitate the conversations and enable you all to participate and feel comfortable studying online. I am not a subject expert on cooking, but do enjoy Myanmar food. I will be supported from time to time by a subject expert who will join our discussions. It would be great before we get started with the course content to know a bit more about each of you, so we can create a sense of online community and also learn from each other. Please post a short introductory message letting us know what you like to be called, where you are from, and one interesting or unique thing about you that you are happy to share ! I look forward to getting to know you all in the coming weeks.’

• What are the main elements of the message?
• To what extent do the messages reflect the tips given above?
• Which one works best in your opinion and why?