1: Have Students Introduce Themselves Using Technology
If you will be using a technology tool during your course, have students use that tool to introduce themselves. For example, if students will be using Kaltura Capture for an assignment, have them use Kaltura Capture to introduce themselves. You get to know the students, and students get to know the technology by using it for a low stakes assignment. Use the Kaltura: Quick Start Guide for Students to prepare students for the assignment.
2: Ask an Ice Breaker Question
Use a question to have fun with and learn more about your students. For example, in a math class, you could ask “What color is math?” Math is a subject that often brings anxiety to students and being able to talk about it openly can help. There are many articles on the internet with lists of possible questions. In an online class, the question could be asked in a discussion, or in a face-to-face class, the question could be discussed live.
3: Have Students Introduce Each Other
If your class includes a group project, having students introduce themselves in groups can be a way to acclimate them. Students could work in pairs or groups to determine what they have in common, for example. Pairs of students could also introduce each other. In a face-to-face class, students could break into pairs or groups within the classroom, and virtually, this could be accomplished via Zoom.
4: Use Show and Tell
Have students choose an item that represents them in some way and share it with the class. This could be done in person or virtually, with students showing a physical object or an image. Ask students to share something that represents a hobby, their hometown, their favorite vacation spot, etc.
5: Have Students Complete a Survey
Have students answer questions that help them share more about themselves. For example, ask students “What Are Your Foods?” Questions could be to name a favorite food, name a food from their childhood, and name a food that people would be surprised you eat. If possible, relate the topic back to your course material, but it isn’t required. It is more important to get students talking and learning about each other.