Because you may never meet your online classmates in person, you may be asked to post a brief online profile introducing yourself to the class. You also might be asked to interview a classmate so that each of you can post an introduction of the other. Such assignments are intended to increase online camaraderie. However, if you feel shy or wish to retain anonymity, cover suggested topics such as academic interests or writing experiences, but stick to general background with limited personal detail. If you prefer not to post a photograph of yourself, consider an image or icon of a pet, possession, or favorite place. If the class already has much in common — for example, all in the same discipline or program — you might include your career plans. Avoid overly personal revelations, gushing enthusiasm, and clipped brevity.

The following profiles, illustrating a personal post and an interview, combine some personal background with academic and career interests.

From: LaTanya Nash

Subject: My Profile as a Future Nurse

After almost a month in the hospital when I was six, I knew that I wanted to be a nurse. That’s when I found out how important nurses are to patients and how much they can add to a patient’s recovery. I’ve had after-school and summer jobs in an assisted living center for seniors and a center for children with disabilities. Now that I’m starting college, I’m ready to work on my nursing degree. I’m glad to have this writing class because I’ve learned from my jobs how important it is for nurses to write clearly.

From: Lainie Costas

Subject: Interview of Tomas

After interviewing Tomas online, I want to introduce a classmate who has just started college this semester. He has been working since high school—doing everything from washing dishes to making pizzas. Now he’s planning on getting a business degree to help him start his own restaurant. He already knows what employees need to do, but he wants to learn about things like business plans, finances, and advertising. Like me, he’s a little worried about starting with a writing class, but I know from his messages that he has plenty of interesting things to say.