Begin each video by connecting the module content to something students already know or care about.

This could be:

• A recent news story or current event that relates to the concepts
• A question that the module will help them answer
• A real-world scenario they might encounter in their future careers
• A surprising fact or statistic that ties to the learning objectives

For example, instead of saying "This week we're covering market efficiency," try "Have you ever wondered why some stocks seem to skyrocket overnight while others barely move? This week's content on market efficiency will help you understand exactly what's happening behind those price movements."

Begin each video by connecting the module content to something students already know or care about.

This could be:

• A recent news story or current event that relates to the concepts
• A question that the module will help them answer
• A real-world scenario they might encounter in their future careers
• A surprising fact or statistic that ties to the learning objectives

For example, instead of saying "This week we're covering market efficiency," try "Have you ever wondered why some stocks seem to skyrocket overnight while others barely move? This week's content on market efficiency will help you understand exactly what's happening behind those price movements."

Students thrive on predictability in asynchronous environments. Develop a consistent format for your introduction videos that students can rely on.

We recommend this structure:

• Opening (30 seconds): Personal greeting and connection to current events or real-world context
• Overview (2 minutes): Brief outline of what students will learn and why it matters
• Logistics (1 minute): Key assignments, due dates, and what to focus on
• Closing (30 seconds): Encouragement and preview of how this connects to upcoming modules

Students thrive on predictability in asynchronous environments. Develop a consistent format for your introduction videos that students can rely on.

We recommend this structure:

• Opening (30 seconds): Personal greeting and connection to current events or real-world context
• Overview (2 minutes): Brief outline of what students will learn and why it matters
• Logistics (1 minute): Key assignments, due dates, and what to focus on
• Closing (30 seconds): Encouragement and preview of how this connects to upcoming modules

Help students see how this module fits into the bigger picture of your course. Reference previous modules briefly and hint at how the current content will be built upon in future weeks. This creates a sense of progression and helps students understand the logical flow of the curriculum.

Creating engaging module introduction videos is one of the most effective ways to keep students connected and motivated in your asynchronous course. These short videos serve as your direct line of communication with students, setting the tone for each learning module and helping them understand why the upcoming content matters.

While Blended Teaching provides the comprehensive video content that covers your course material, your personal introduction videos are what make the learning experience feel human and connected. Here's how to make them count.

While it might be tempting to reuse introduction videos, we strongly recommend recording new ones each semester.

This allows you to:

• Incorporate current events and recent examples
• Adjust based on student feedback from previous semesters
• Maintain authentic energy and enthusiasm
• Reference specific upcoming assignment due dates

The time investment is minimal compared to the engagement benefits you'll see.

Always conclude your introduction videos by telling students exactly what they should do next. Whether it's watching specific Blended Teaching video chapters, completing a quiz, or participating in a discussion, clear direction helps students stay on track and reduces confusion.

Pay attention to which introduction videos generate the most student engagement through discussion posts, assignment completion rates, or direct feedback. Use this information to refine your approach throughout the semester.

Remember, these videos are your opportunity to be present in your students' learning experience, even when you can't be there in person. By investing a few minutes each week in creating thoughtful, engaging introductions, you'll see significant improvements in student participation and connection to your course material.