1. Lesson:
Before Your Course
Objective:
After completing this lesson, you will be
able to describe why and how to
communicate with participants before
the start of the course.
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2. Topic 1: The Welcome Email
If the course you are facilitating is
100% online, your first contact will
likely be by email. Send a welcome
email message a week in advance
of the course start. This
accomplishes the following
important goals:
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3. Topic 1: The Welcome Email
• Officially begins your relationship with participants
• Reminds participants when the course will open and
close so they begin to think about planning their time
• Sets the tone for the course
• Emphasizes the value of learner voices and input
• Sets expectations for communications, including how
and when participants can contact you, and the schedule
of assignments
• Communicates resources and contacts for content and
technical support so potential barriers to participation can
be addressed right away
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4. Topic 1: The Welcome Email
Refer to the Facilitating Online Courses Materials
you downloaded at the beginning to find the Welcome
Message Example.
Your course may be hybrid, beginning with a face-toface session that is followed by an online session. Send
a message as soon as possible after the face-to-face
session (the same day is best) in order to address the
relevant goals listed above.
On the left menu, click During Your Course
to continue.
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