An easy way to build community in your online course is to learn and use students’ names. This is easy to do in synchronous online classes because participants’ names are displayed with their pictures. If a student’s preferred name doesn’t match their name on the roster, invite them to use the “Rename” feature in Zoom to enter their preferred name (and preferred pronouns, if they wish). If you’re unsure how to pronounce names, ask students to record their names using the NameCoach tool in Canvas. Making an effort to learn students’ names, pronounce them correctly, and use them consistently will help you create a positive atmosphere and facilitate student engagement.
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