Creating a Welcome Video for your Online Course

Creating a Welcome Video for your Online Course

If instructors don’t think carefully about how to establish their presence and begin building a relationship with their students right away, asynchronous online courses can feel impersonal and isolating. You can begin addressing that gap by posting a welcome video that students see as soon as they log into the course. 

An effective welcome video not only introduces you to your students, but it has other benefits as well:

  • Humanizes the course – Students can immediately recognize that they are interacting with a person, not just a screen.
  • Boosts motivation – Research shows that engagement increases when students feel a personal connection.
  • Encourages outreach – Students are more likely to ask for help when they’ve "met" you (even virtually).

This guide will provide you with guidance to plan and record an effective welcome video for your course.

Part 1: Planning

Before jumping right into recording your welcome video, it is important to have a plan for what you will say to your students.

Create an Outline

Start by creating an outline that helps you focus your message for students. Remember that this will be an important opportunity for you to establish your presence as the instructor, so think carefully about how you will foster excitement about the course. 

Below are examples of items you may wish to include in your video: choose the ones that make the most sense for you!

Brief Instructor Introduction (1-2 minutes)
Brief Instructor Introduction (1-2 minutes)
  • Self-introduction and welcome
  • Overview of your relevant work experience and/or education
  • Your teaching experience. How did you get interested in the field you are teaching? Why do you love your discipline and the courses you teach? Why are you excited about teaching this course?
  • Describe any interesting experiences you have had taking a similar course
  • Tell your students something about yourself that you feel comfortable sharing, such as hobbies or family/home life.
Brief Course Introduction (1-2 minutes)
Brief Course Introduction (1-2 minutes)
  • Why this course is valuable what students will learn
  • A specific skill or set of skills students will develop that will help them prepare for success after college
  • An assignment or project that students tend to find exciting in the course (or that you are excited about)
  • A big question that the course will help students answer

Write your script

A script is the fleshed-out version of your outline, which should reflect what you plan to say and how you will say it. Remember that you want your tone to be welcoming and inviting. 

Be sure to rehearse a couple of times before recording so that you develop fluency with your message. As you rehearse, keep an eye on the time to make sure that your video is no longer than 3-5 minutes long. And don’t forget to smile! 

Sample Welcome Video Script
Sample Welcome Video Script

Hi everyone! Welcome to [course name]! My name is [name], and I'll be your instructor this semester. I'm excited about the course and also look forward to learning more about you!

A little bit about me . . . I've been teaching for [number] years, and I love helping students connect with [focus of course]. Outside of class, I enjoy [name a hobby or interest].

When I've taught this course in the past, I've found that students especially love [describe assignment, project, or topic], and I look forward to working with you on that! I think you'll find it exciting to learn more about [concept or topic], and I think you'll leave this course much better prepared to [key skill], which will be important for you not only in college, but also after you graduate!

Since this is an online course, I know it may feel different from a face-to-face class. But I want you to know you are not alone in this learning journey. I'm here to support you, and I encourage you to reach out any time you have questions.

Any time you need help, please email me, join my Zoom office hours, or post a message in our discussion area. I'd love to hear from you!

After you watch this video, make sure you go to [next part of the introduction module] to learn more about your next steps in the course.

Part 2: Recording in Zoom

After you have written and rehearsed your script, you are ready to record your video!

What You Need

  • A computer with a webcam
  • A microphone (built-in is fine!)
  • Zoom (free version works)

Steps for Recording in Zoom

1. Open Zoom

Launch the Zoom application.

2. Start a Meeting
  • Click Meetings on the navigation bar on the left.
  • Click the + sign and click Meet now.
  • You will enter the meeting alone!
3. Turn on Video and Test Audio
  • Click Start Video.
  • Say a few words to test your microphone; the green bar should move.
4. Start Recording
  • Click Record (usually at the bottom).
  • If you see Record to the Cloud, choose that option.
5. Deliver Your Welcome Message (3-5 minutes)
  • Use the script you’ve prepared to deliver your message.
6. Stop Recording
  • Click Stop Recording.
  • End Meeting.
7. Find Your Video

Once you stop recording, Zoom will automatically create video and transcript files in your Zoom account. After you log in, go to the Recordings tab from the left menu and download the files from there.

8. Embed Your Video

Once you finish your welcome video, you should place it where it will have the most immediate impact: the top of your Start Here or Getting Started module. Be sure to upload the transcript file as well so that your video is fully accessible to students.

References