Welcome Email
The welcome email you send to each of your participants before the course begins could be the first contact participants have regarding their online course. Often the confirmation and login emails get caught in spam filters, so sending a friendly email to each participant can relieve a great deal of their stress. Be sure to include details on what website they should go to and who to contact if they need help logging in. If they need to purchase textbooks or other items for the class, this is a good spot to remind participants of those details. Let them know how to reach you if they need you. This first contact will set the tone of your communications to follow. Sample welcome emails are included in resources.
The following are a few questions a first-time online learner may have:
- When will I get my login information?
- When will I be able to access my course?
- Are there any face-to-face meetings required?
- Are there scheduled times I need to be online?
- Do I need to buy a textbook or other materials?
- What software do I need?
- Will I be learning alone or will I interact with other students?
- Will small group work be required?
- How will I get help if I need it?
As soon as you have your class list, send out an introductory email briefly introducing yourself and welcoming your participants to the course. This communication is a unique and important first contact between you and your participant. You may choose to model your email after one of the samples in Resources.
If any students haven't logged in within a few days after the course begins, we recommend that you both call and email them. Ask why they haven't logged in yet; you may need to provide support if they're having technical difficulties. Check with your organization for your specific responsibilities for students who haven't participated or who may be dropping the course.