Media-Enhanced Introductions

Media Introduction Guidelines and Considerations

  1. Length: generally 2 – 5 minutes
  2. Format
    • Audio narrated
    • Video with audio narration
    • May contain a synchronized PowerPoint presentation if needed
  3. Clothing and Dress
    • Wear solid-color tops/shirts that complement skin/hair (if recording video)
    • Review the video dress code guidelines
  4. Content Considerations
    • Keep the introduction informal and welcoming
    • Some personal information about instructor/background
    • How will the course work?
    • Encouragement and suggestions for success
    • Reminders about special course requirements, integrity, attendance, etc.
  5. Be conscious of content that might date your introduction
    • If you plan how and what you are going to say, your introduction can be reused over-and-over again for multiple sections and terms of the course.
    • For example, say "Welcome to your Introduction to Computers course!" Do not say "Welcome to your Introduction to Computers course for the Summer 2008 term!"
  6. If you introduce essential information not available elsewhere in the course, please provide a text version of the information for reference.
  7. A text version of your introduction is an effective way to guarantee that it is easily accessible to all online students including those with special needs.

Sample Media Introductions