At the beginning of your course, you could share, via pages or videos, testimonials from former students in your course that emphasize what current students need to do to succeed in your course. You could create an assignment near the end of your course in which students submit their own text or video testimonials or letters of advice to future students.

This may help improve students' sense of social belonging by hearing about the common struggles of students just like themselves. Social belonging is a key component for student success.

Examples of Student Testimonials

Valencia College examples

Online Student Preparedness: What's the Difference Between Face-to-Face and Online Courses?

Online Student Preparedness Video: What Surprises Students About Online Learning?

Online Student Preparedness Video: The Secret to Success in Online Learning

Online Student Preparedness: The Challenges of Online Learning

Online Student Preparedness: Final Thoughts About Online Learning at Valencia College

University of Houston - Realistic Job Preview - Online Courses

Wisdom Wall - Michelle Pacansky-Brock

University of Central Florida - Knights Online

Embry-Riddle - Hybrid Course Student and Faculty Testimonials

Considerations when Creating Student Testimonials

Careful in selecting testimonials to share with your students. Don't send wrong messages such as 'online courses are easier than face-to-face'.
Use testimonials from a variety of students representative of the student population
Just sharing testimonials is not enough
- Students may not even read them, or not think about them deeply and apply them.
- Create an assignment, survey, or discussion in which students reflect on the testimonials

Further Resources and References