Center for Online Learning

Need a new way to “break the ice” with your online and blended students?  Tired of using the “introduce yourself to the class” discussion forum prompt?

If this is true for you, you might want to spice it up a little and add some creativity to the process of getting to know your students.  One of my favorite icebreaker activities is to have my students take an online medieval personality test.  Below are the instructions that I give to the students in my discussion forum …

Visit the Kingdomality site (www.kingdomality.com) and take the quiz to determine your “Medieval personality.” Introduce yourself to the group and tell us how your Kindomality results fit with who you are — or not.

Remember: Follow the Discussion Forum Rubric to receive full points!

I have found that my students enjoy taking this entertaining personality profile. It allows them to introduce themselves in a unique way, have some fun, and reveal their personality to their classmates with very little stress. (By the way, I am a benevolent ruler.  After reading the description, it seems to fit me quite well!)

So … I encourage you to find a creative way to break the ice in your online and blended courses.  This important activity will help set the stage for a friendly, warm and fun environment for your students.

Below are some links to online resources for you to consider …

• http://twt.wikispaces.com/Ice-Breaker+Ideas
• http://www.ion.uillinois.edu/institutes/fsi/2005/presentations/3/IceBreakingActivities.pdf
• http://www.southalabama.edu/oll/jobaidsfall03/Icebreakers%20Online/icebreakerjobaid.htm

And, last, but not least, a book to consider … Engaging the Online Learner:  Activities and Resources for Creative Instruction.  We have a copy in the Center for Online Learning.  Feel free to stop by and check it out.