1. Introduction activities at the beginning of the course
    Early moments set the tone. Kick off with an icebreaker that invites brief, human introductions and lowers the barrier to first posts. A welcome forum can host “two truths and a myth,” role–relevant prompts (e.g., one professional strength + one hope for this course), or a “photo that represents your learning style.” A short live BigBlueButton session helps put voices to names; asking for 30–second video intros (created with H5P interactive video) adds warmth without pressure. Make the teacher’s own intro visible first–model the openness and length you expect from learners.
    Recommended tools: Forum – H5P – BigBlueButton.

  2. Spaces to share relevant personal experiences
    As the course progresses, maintain a dedicated Forum thread where students can connect the week’s topic to lived practice. Prompts like “When have you faced this challenge?” or “What surprised you in applying this idea?” validate experience and bring multiple contexts to the surface. Keep it low–stakes (no grades) and clearly separated from assessment forums to preserve authenticity.
    Recommended tools: Forum.

  3. Use of emoticons and a conversational tone in communication
    Plain text can feel colder than intended. Encourage a light, professional conversational tone in Forum posts. Emojis/emoticons can soften critique and signal empathy (e.g., 👍 for agreement, 🤔 to invite exploration). Offer a short netiquette note so expression stays inclusive and respectful.
    Recommended tools: Forum. 
Last modified: Monday, 15 September 2025, 3:23 PM