Title: Introduce Yourself to Your Classmates
Course: UO Online Tep Resource Site > Section: START HERE: Welcome to [Course Title Here]

Purpose:  It's easier to feel confident asking questions and participating in class discussions if you feel like you know the instructor and other students in the class and that you are part of a supportive community. In a course like this, where we won't get to meet each other in person, we have to work extra hard to get to know each other. This discussion is meant to help us get started with that process.

Task:

1. Click in the "Reply" box below.
2. Think a bit about what you would like people to know about you, then include that information in a discussion post. Write in essay form (about 250 words).  Include in your answer:
- where you are from and where you live/are staying right now
- your academic interests and your major (if you know it)
- why you decided to take this class
- at least one paragraph that addresses something not mentioned above. You could, for example, tell us your hobbies or other activities you are using to keep your life balanced these days; something interesting you have done lately; your favorite food; or a funny story about your pet. In addition to posting your written reply, you can also include a video, audio file, or a picture. Be creative!
3. Click "Post Reply."
4. Read the posts your classmates have created.
5. Reply to at least two other students' posts.  You could ask a question, point out a common interest, etc.  Just be sure your comments are substantive- I'd like to see more than just "Cool" or "I agree."
6. Go back and read the comments others have posted.

Criteria for Success: You will have succeeded in this assignment if you have created an autobiographical post that lets people know a little about you as an individual.  Similarly, the replies you post to classmates' contributions should try to establish common ground and act as first steps in creating relationships between you.