Introductory video for your course
An introductory video is an appreciated way of introducing yourself and your course. As a teacher, you can control the students' first impression of you and the course, and the students feel more welcomed than if it were just in text. With the video, you can also create engagement and set expectations.
What to include in an introduction video?
When making an intro video, we recommend that you include:
- a brief introduction of yourself
- course name and structure
- if the course is online or in a lecture hall (feel free to show the lecture halls in the video)
- important dates and mandatory parts of the course
- contact details and where students can find technical support
- special instructions and requirements
- expectations, both that you have of the students and that they may have of you.
Be clear and specific with the information you include in the video and describe everything important shown in the image (called verbalizing). The information you provide becomes the basis for how the students view the course, so do your best to prevent misunderstandings and ambiguities.
Although it seems like a lot to cover, keep the video short and to the point. Refrain from showering the students with too much information, but rather complement the video with text information. An introductory video doesn't have to be longer than a couple of minutes.
Complete with text information
Some information is difficult to include in an introductory video even though it is relevant to the course, for example, a bibliography. Put this kind of information as text next to the video, preferably on the same page.
You can also copy information from the video and insert it as text, especially information you expect the students will need again. For example, your contact details or the structure of the course.
Let the students see you
You should be visible in your introduction video so that the students feel that you are more present than otherwise, both in the video and the course. The students will get a chance to get to know you and will be able to connect your face to your voice. This allows you to be out of view in other course videos without losing the feeling that you are present.
Remember to show that you are engaged with your body language and by looking into the camera. The camera lens represents your students, so when you look into the camera lens, it's like you're looking at the student watching the video.
Be personal to create engagement
A video should feel like an authentic version of yourself to the students watching the video. If they feel you are distancing yourself from the video, they will do the same and become less engaged. Therefore, it is important that you speak in the same way as you would in a lesson or lecture.
Please tell us about something personal related to the course, for example, how you ended up at KTH as a teacher or which practical use of the course content is your favourite. In general, include something about why the course content is important to you.
Examples of expectations
When you talk about expectations in the course, there is a lot to choose from, but focus on the most important things for the course to run smoothly for everyone involved. Here we list some examples of questions about expectations that you can answer in the video.
Communication in the course:
- How do students reach you most efficiently, and when can they expect a response?
- How will you communicate important course information?
Behaviour during the course:
- How should the learning platform be used?
- How should students behave online and in physical meetings? Remind them of the Code of Conduct for students (kth.se) .