1.1 Welcome & Getting Started

Criterion Overview

The Welcome and Getting Started module is a learner's first introduction to the course. It establishes instructor presence, reduces uncertainty, and provides students with the essential information they need before beginning coursework. Rather than asking students to search through multiple pages or a lengthy syllabus, this module serves as a central starting point that helps students understand how the course is organized and what they need to do first.

A thoughtfully designed orientation guides students through the first steps of the course by explaining how to navigate the LMS, where to find important course information, what technologies are required, and how to successfully begin learning. By providing a clear roadmap, instructors help students build confidence and reduce the anxiety that often accompanies the first week of an online course.

The Welcome and Getting Started module should also establish instructor presence by introducing the instructor, providing contact information, communicating how students can ask questions, and directing learners to additional course resources, policies, and support services. A welcoming orientation helps students feel connected to both the instructor and the learning community from the very beginning.

Why It Matters

Students form their first impression of an online course within the first few minutes of entering it. If students are unsure where to begin, cannot locate important information, or feel overwhelmed by unfamiliar course expectations, they may become frustrated before learning even begins.

A well-designed Welcome and Getting Started module reduces uncertainty by providing a clear path for success. Students know where to begin, what to complete first, where to find important information, and how to contact the instructor if questions arise. This initial orientation helps establish confidence, encourages early engagement, and creates a positive first impression of the course.

A strong orientation also benefits instructors. When common questions are answered before coursework begins, students become more independent, navigation-related emails decrease, and instructors can spend more time supporting learning rather than answering routine procedural questions.

What This Looks Like

A well-designed Welcome and Getting Started module typically includes:

• A welcome message from the instructor.
• Instructor contact information and preferred communication methods.
• Guidance for navigating the course.
• Instructions for getting started.
• Important first-week expectations and activities.
• Links to the syllabus, Course Information pages, and student support resources.
• Information about where students can ask questions.
• Any required first-week activities, such as an introduction discussion, syllabus quiz, or technology check.

The Welcome and Getting Started module is the first item students encounter when entering the course and provides a clear roadmap for beginning the semester successfully.

Design Tips

Ask yourself: If I were a student entering this course for the first time, would I know exactly where to begin, what to do first, where to find important information, and how to get help if I needed it?

✔ Make the Welcome and Getting Started module the first module students encounter.

✔ Use clear titles such as Start Here, Before You Begin, or Getting Started.

✔ Keep instructions concise and organize them in the order students should complete them.

✔ Link to important course information rather than duplicating lengthy content.

✔ Include a low-stakes activity that allows students to practice navigating the course or using required technologies before completing graded work.

✔ Clearly communicate how students can ask questions and where they can find support.

✔ Review your Welcome module before every semester to ensure dates, links, contact information, and course resources remain current.