What is Online Teaching?

Online teaching refers to delivering educational content, instruction, and interactions through digital platforms and technologies. It offers learners the flexibility to access and engage with course materials and activities remotely, enabling them to learn at their own pace and convenience.

Key Components of Online Teaching

1. Digital Platforms: Explore the various online learning management systems (LMS) and platforms that facilitate course delivery, communication, and collaboration.
2. Content Creation: Learn about designing engaging course materials, including videos, readings, quizzes, and multimedia elements.
3. Interaction and Engagement: Discover strategies to foster student engagement through discussion forums, virtual classrooms, and interactive activities.
4. Assessment and Feedback: Explore methods for assessing student learning and providing timely feedback using online tools.

Benefits of Online Teaching

1. Flexibility: Online teaching allows students to access content and participate in discussions conveniently, accommodating diverse schedules.
2. Accessibility: Online courses provide equal access to education for students with different abilities, locations, and backgrounds.

Effective Online Teaching Practices

1. Clear Communication: Articulate expectations, guidelines, and course structure to create a transparent learning environment.
2. Engagement Strategies: Employ interactive elements such as group projects, peer discussions, and real-world applications to keep learners engaged.
3. Regular Feedback: Provide consistent feedback on assignments, quizzes, and discussions to guide student progress.

Challenges and Potential Solutions

1. Technical Issues: Address common technical challenges and provide resources for troubleshooting.
2. Time Management: Offer strategies for effective time management in online teaching for instructors and students.

Instructor Roles in Online Teaching

• Facilitator: Guide discussions, moderate forums, and foster a collaborative learning community.
• Content Creator: Design engaging course materials that align with learning objectives.
• Assessor: Develop fair and reliable assessment methods to evaluate student learning outcomes.

Understanding online teaching is essential for educators seeking to create dynamic and effective online learning experiences. This guide equips you with the knowledge, tools, and strategies to excel in the world of online education, ensuring the success of both instructors and learners. Whether you're new to online teaching or looking to enhance your existing practices, this webpage is your comprehensive resource for navigating the exciting realm of online education.

Understanding Online Teaching by Open AI is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.

Why Design Matters in Online Courses

Designing an online course goes beyond aesthetics. Thoughtful design enhances content comprehension and accessibility, which are crucial factors for engaging and retaining students.

Principles of Effective Online Course Design

• Clear Learning Objectives: Define clear and achievable learning goals for each module or lesson to guide instructional design.
• Organized Content: Structure course content logically, breaking it into manageable sections with headings, subheadings, and bullet points.
• Multimedia Integration: Incorporate a variety of multimedia elements, such as videos, infographics, and interactive simulations, to enhance engagement.
• Responsive Design: Ensure your course is accessible and functional on different devices, from laptops to smartphones.

Building Interactive Elements

• Discussion Forums: Create meaningful discussion prompts that encourage critical thinking and collaborative learning.
• Virtual Classrooms: Host live sessions using web conferencing tools to facilitate real-time interaction and Q&A.
• Interactive Quizzes: Design quizzes with immediate feedback to reinforce learning and assess understanding.

Creating Engaging Assessments

• Diverse Assessment Types: Use various assessment methods, including essays, projects, quizzes, and peer assessments, to cater to different learning preferences.
• Authentic Tasks: Develop assessments that mirror real-world scenarios, encouraging the application of knowledge.

Promoting Student Engagement

• Personalized Learning Paths: Offer options for students to explore topics that interest them within the course framework.
• Collaborative Projects: Assign group projects to foster teamwork and peer-to-peer learning.

Visual Design Considerations

• Consistent Layout: Maintain a consistent layout throughout the course, making navigation intuitive for students.
• Readability: Choose legible fonts and appropriate font sizes to ensure easy reading.

Creating Instructor Presence

• Welcome Videos: Consider introducing yourself through a video to establish a personal connection with your students.
• Regular Announcements: Post weekly announcements to share important updates, highlight achievements, and provide guidance.

Feedback and Improvement

• Student Feedback: Collect feedback from students about their learning experiences and use it to refine your course.
• Continuous Iteration: Continuously evaluate and improve your course based on student engagement and performance.

Designing engaging online courses requires careful planning, creativity, and a student-centered approach. By applying effective design principles, integrating interactive elements, and fostering instructor presence, you can create an online learning environment that captivates learners and promotes their success. This webpage equips you with the knowledge and tools needed to design online courses that not only deliver content effectively but also inspire active participation and meaningful learning experiences.

Designing Engaging Online Courses by Open AI is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.

The Importance of Online Discussions

Online discussions serve as a platform for students to share ideas, engage in critical thinking, and learn from one another. Effective facilitation of these discussions can significantly enhance the overall learning experience.

Strategies for Successful Online Discussions

• Clear Guidelines: Set clear expectations for participation, etiquette, and quality of contributions in your discussion forum.
• Structured Prompts: Craft discussion prompts that encourage thoughtful responses and relate to course objectives.
• Prompt Feedback: Provide timely feedback on student contributions to acknowledge their input and guide the conversation.
• Encourage Interaction: Pose follow-up questions, encourage students to respond to peers, and moderate discussions to keep them on track.

Promoting Collaborative Learning

• Group Activities: Assign collaborative projects that require students to work together and contribute their expertise.
• Peer Review: Incorporate peer review activities where students assess and provide feedback on each other's work.

Tools for Effective Online Collaboration

• Discussion Boards: Create discussion threads for different topics, allowing asynchronous interaction among students.
• Virtual Meeting Platforms: Utilize web conferencing tools for real-time discussions, presentations, and interactive workshops.

Building an Inclusive Environment

• Diverse Perspectives: Encourage students to share their unique viewpoints, fostering a rich exchange of ideas.
• Respectful Dialogue: Set ground rules for respectful communication to ensure a safe and inclusive space for all participants.

Effective Facilitation Techniques

• Be Present: Regularly participate in discussions to guide conversations, clarify concepts, and provide additional resources.
• Ask Open-Ended Questions: Pose questions that stimulate critical thinking and encourage deeper exploration.

Assessment and Grading

• Clear Rubrics: Develop grading rubrics that outline criteria for quality participation, ensuring transparency.
• Quality over Quantity: Emphasize the quality of contributions rather than the quantity to discourage superficial responses.

Maximizing Engagement

• Use Multimedia: Incorporate videos, articles, and multimedia content to enrich discussions and diversify learning experiences.
• Real-World Applications: Relate discussion topics to real-world scenarios, fostering practical understanding and application.

Challenges and Potential Solutions

• Time Zone Considerations: Provide flexible participation options and consider global time zones for synchronous activities.
• Cultivating Online Presence: Maintain regular interaction, respond promptly, and encourage peer support to combat feelings of isolation.

Facilitating online discussions and collaboration requires a thoughtful blend of pedagogical strategies, technological tools, and a supportive online environment. By implementing effective facilitation techniques, encouraging collaborative learning, and nurturing an inclusive community, you can create an engaging virtual classroom that fosters meaningful interactions, enriches learning, and prepares students for success in the digital age. This webpage equips you with the knowledge and strategies needed to lead vibrant online discussions and create a collaborative learning environment that empowers your students to thrive.

Facilitating Online Discussions and Collaboration by Open AI is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.

The Importance of Online Presentations

Online presentations provide a platform to convey information, explain concepts, and engage your audience visually and verbally. Effective online presentations enhance comprehension, retention, and overall learning experience.

Strategies for Delivering Engaging Online Presentations

1. Clear Structure: Organize your presentation with a clear introduction, main points, and a concise conclusion.
2. Visual Aids: Incorporate visuals such as slides, images, and videos to illustrate key points and maintain visual interest.
3. Engaging Content: Craft content that is concise, relevant, and aligned with learning objectives.
4. Storytelling: Weave narratives or real-world examples into your presentation to enhance engagement and comprehension.

Mastering Virtual Delivery

• Eye Contact: Maintain virtual eye contact by looking into the camera rather than solely at your notes.
• Voice Modulation: Use variations in tone and pace to keep your audience engaged and emphasize important points.
• Interactive Elements: Incorporate polls, quizzes, or interactive activities to actively involve your audience.

Engaging Your Audience

• Engagement Prompts: Pose questions or scenarios to encourage audience interaction and critical thinking.
• Discussion Breaks: Integrate short discussion breaks to allow participants to share thoughts and insights.

Incorporating Technology

• Presentation Tools: Use presentation software that offers interactive features and collaboration options.
• Web Conferencing Platforms: Leverage web conferencing tools to facilitate real-time interactions, Q&A sessions, and discussions.

Building a Compelling Slide Deck

• Visual Consistency: Use a consistent design theme and font style throughout your slides.
• Minimal Text: Keep the text concise, using bullet points and visuals to convey key information.

Practice and Preparation

• Rehearse: Practice your presentation multiple times to ensure a smooth and confident delivery.
• Technical Readiness: Familiarize yourself with the technology, ensuring audio, video, and screen sharing work seamlessly.

Overcoming Challenges

• Technical Glitches: Prepare for possible technical issues and have backup plans in place.
• Audience Distractions: Keep your presentation dynamic and engaging to hold your audience's attention.

Feedback and Improvement

• Solicit Feedback: Encourage participants to provide feedback on your presentation style and content.
• Self-Reflection: Analyze your own presentations to identify areas for improvement.

Delivering engaging online presentations requires a combination of effective communication skills, technological proficiency, and creative presentation design. By implementing strategies to structure your content, engage your audience, and leverage interactive tools, you can create a captivating and impactful online presentation that resonates with your participants. This webpage equips you with the knowledge and techniques needed to confidently deliver online presentations that inform, inspire, and foster a dynamic virtual learning environment.

Delivering Engaging Online Presentations by Open AI is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.

Importance of Online Assessment and Feedback

Online assessment and feedback play a pivotal role in gauging student understanding, measuring progress, and guiding learning outcomes in virtual courses.

Strategies for Effective Online Assessment

1. Clear Objectives: Define clear learning objectives and align assessments with them to ensure relevance and accuracy.
2. Diverse Formats: Use a variety of assessment formats, such as quizzes, assignments, discussions, and projects, to cater to different learning preferences.
3. Timely Assessments: Set reasonable deadlines for assessments to keep students engaged and prevent procrastination.
4. Authentic Tasks: Design assessments that mirror real-world scenarios, promoting practical application of knowledge.

Implementing Constructive Feedback

• Timely Feedback: Provide timely feedback to students, allowing them to apply insights and corrections to their work.
• Constructive Language: Use positive and constructive language to encourage improvement and growth.

Promoting Self-Assessment

• Rubrics: Offer rubrics outlining assessment criteria to guide students in self-assessment and self-improvement.
• Reflection Activities: Incorporate reflection exercises that prompt students to evaluate their performance and identify areas for enhancement.

Leveraging Technology for Assessment

• Online Tools: Use digital assessment tools and platforms for automated grading, efficiency, and data analysis.
• Anti-Plagiarism Software: Implement anti-plagiarism tools to maintain academic integrity in online submissions.

Fostering Peer Assessment

• Structured Guidelines: Provide clear guidelines for peer assessment, enabling students to evaluate each other's work constructively.
• Benefits of Peer Assessment: Peer assessment enhances critical thinking, communication skills, and collaborative learning.

Feedback Strategies for Online Environments

• Audio and Video Feedback: Use audio or video recordings to offer personalized and detailed feedback.
• Individualized Comments: Provide individualized comments that address specific strengths and areas for improvement.

Continuous Improvement

• Feedback Loop: Encourage students to use feedback to enhance subsequent assignments and assessments.
• Reflective Practice: Continuously review and adapt your assessment and feedback strategies based on student performance and feedback.

Overcoming Challenges

• Online Proctoring: Consider online proctoring solutions to ensure assessment integrity and prevent cheating.
• Engaging Online Assessments: Design assessments that are engaging, interactive, and aligned with course objectives.

Effective online assessment and feedback empower learners to achieve their full potential, fostering a culture of continuous improvement in virtual classrooms. By integrating diverse assessment formats, leveraging technology, and providing constructive feedback, you can create a dynamic and impactful online learning experience. This webpage equips you with the tools and strategies necessary to navigate the world of online assessment and feedback, supporting student growth, engagement, and success in the digital age.

Assessment and Feedback in the Online Environment by Open AI is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.

The Importance of an Online Learning Community

An online learning community is a virtual space where learners can connect, collaborate, and engage with peers, instructors, and course content. Building such a community is crucial for:

• Encouraging active participation
• Enhancing learning outcomes
• Promoting peer-to-peer support
• Reducing feelings of isolation
• Fostering a sense of belonging

Strategies for Creating a Strong Online Learning Community

1. Welcoming Environment: Set a positive tone by sending a welcoming email or announcement that introduces students to the course, the instructor, and the online platform.
2. Icebreaker Activities: Incorporate icebreaker discussions or activities to help students introduce themselves and establish initial connections.
3. Discussion Forums: Utilize discussion forums for interactive conversations on course topics, encouraging students to share insights, ask questions, and collaborate.
4. Peer Collaboration: Assign group projects or collaborative assignments that encourage students to work together and build relationships.
5. Virtual Office Hours: Host virtual office hours, allowing students to ask questions, seek clarifications, and engage in real-time discussions.
6. Interactive Tools: Incorporate interactive tools like video conferencing, webinars, and virtual classrooms to facilitate real-time interactions.
7. Instructor Engagement: Actively participate in discussions, provide timely feedback, and share insights to model engagement.
8. Clear Expectations: Communicate clear guidelines for participation, discussion etiquette, and collaboration to set expectations.
9. Structured Activities: Organize structured activities such as debates, case studies, or problem-solving tasks that require group participation.
10. Cultivate Respect: Establish ground rules that encourage respectful and inclusive interactions among students.
11. Diverse Perspectives: Encourage students to share diverse viewpoints, fostering enriching discussions and promoting understanding.
12. Social Media Groups: Create private social media groups or discussion boards for informal interactions and resource sharing.
13. Collaborative Tools: Use collaborative platforms for document sharing, co-editing, and joint projects.
14. Self-Reflection: Encourage students to reflect on their learning journey, share insights, and set personal goals.
15. Feedback Loops: Gather feedback from students about their experiences in the online learning community and make adjustments as needed.
16. Personal Connection: Send personalized messages, emails, or video updates to students to establish a personal connection.
17. Virtual Events: Organize virtual events, guest speaker sessions, or workshops to enhance community engagement.

Creating a robust online learning community is an essential aspect of effective online education. By implementing the strategies outlined in this guide, you can cultivate an environment that promotes engagement, collaboration, and meaningful interactions among students. Together, we can build a dynamic online learning community that enhances the educational experience and empowers students to achieve their goals in the digital learning landscape.

Building an Online Learning Community by Open AI is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.

The Importance of Accessibility in Online Learning

• Equity and Inclusion: Providing accessible content ensures that all learners, regardless of their abilities, have equal access to education.
• Legal and Ethical Obligations: Many countries have legal requirements for accessible education to ensure equal opportunities.

Strategies for Ensuring Accessibility

• Alt Text for Images: Provide descriptive alternative text for images, allowing screen readers to convey the content to visually impaired learners.
• Closed Captions: Include closed captions for videos to make content accessible to deaf and hard-of-hearing students.
• Readable Fonts and Colors: Choose readable fonts and color contrasts to ensure content is easily legible for all learners.
• Keyboard Navigation: Design courses that can be navigated using a keyboard, benefiting learners with mobility impairments.
• Structured Content: Organize content with clear headings, subheadings, and lists to aid navigation and comprehension.
• Documents: Ensure PDFs and other documents are accessible by using proper formatting and tags.
• Videos: Add captions, transcripts, and audio descriptions to videos to make them usable for all learners.
• Links: Use descriptive link text that conveys the link's purpose, rather than generic phrases like "click here."

Universal Design Principles for Online Courses

1. Flexibility: Offer various ways to access content and complete assignments to cater to different learning preferences.
2. Simple Language: Present content in clear and concise language to enhance understanding for all learners.
3. Multiple Media: Provide content in various formats, such as text, audio, and video, to accommodate diverse learning preferences.

Strategies for Ensuring Universal Design and Inclusivity

• Accessibility Tools: Use online tools to check the accessibility of your course materials and make necessary adjustments.
• User Testing: Involve diverse learners in testing your course to gather feedback and ensure usability.
• Inclusive Language: Use language that is respectful and inclusive of all learners, regardless of their background.
• Discussion Accessibility: Facilitate inclusive discussions by providing guidelines and encouraging respectful interactions.
• Equitable Learning: Ensuring accessibility and universal design creates an environment where every student can thrive.
• Enhanced Engagement: Inclusive courses encourage active participation and engagement from all learners.

Designing online courses with accessibility and universal design in mind is not only an ethical imperative but also an effective pedagogical approach. By following the strategies and principles outlined in this guide, you can create a learning environment that accommodates the needs of all students and fosters a sense of inclusivity. Together, we can champion an inclusive online education landscape that empowers every learner to reach their full potential.

Ensuring Accessibility and Universal Design by Open AI is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.

Why Technology Matters in Online Teaching

• Engagement: Interactive tools keep students engaged by offering multimedia content, quizzes, and collaborative activities.
• Flexibility: Technology enables asynchronous learning, allowing students to access materials and complete assignments at their convenience.
• Feedback: Digital platforms facilitate quick and personalized feedback on assignments and assessments.
• Global Reach: Online tools break down geographical barriers, allowing students from diverse backgrounds to participate.

Essential Technology Tools for Online Teaching

1. Learning Management Systems (LMS): LMS platforms like Blackboard provide a central hub for course materials, communication, assignments, and assessments.
2. Video Conferencing: Tools like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meet enable real-time virtual classes, discussions, and collaborations.
3. Content Creation Tools: Create engaging content using tools like Adobe Spark, Canva, or PowerPoint to enhance presentations and materials.
4. Interactive Quizzes: Platforms like Kahoot! and Quizlet offer fun and interactive ways to assess learning and reinforce concepts.

Effective Use of Technology in Online Teaching

• Multimedia Presentations: Enhance content delivery with videos, slideshows, and interactive multimedia elements.
• Discussion Boards: Foster engagement through asynchronous discussions on LMS platforms, encouraging peer interactions and critical thinking.
• Virtual Labs and Simulations: For science and technical subjects, use virtual labs and simulations to provide hands-on experiences.
• Webinars and Guest Speakers: Bring experts into your virtual classroom through webinars and guest speaker sessions.
• Collaborative Tools: Use platforms like Google Docs, Microsoft OneDrive, or Slack for group projects and collaborations.

Best Practices for Integrating Technology

1. Accessibility: Ensure all digital content is accessible by using closed captions, alt text, and readable fonts.
2. Orientation: Offer students an orientation to the technology tools used in the course to minimize confusion.
3. Clear Instructions: Provide step-by-step instructions on using technology tools to prevent technical barriers.
4. Tech Support: Offer reliable tech support to assist students in case of technical issues.

Choosing Technology Tools Wisely

• Alignment with Learning Objectives: Select tools that align with your course objectives and enhance the learning experience.
• User-Friendly: Opt for tools that are intuitive and easy for both instructors and students to use.
• Interactivity: Prioritize tools that promote student engagement, interaction, and collaboration.

Future Trends in Online Teaching Technology

• Artificial Intelligence: AI-driven tools offer personalized learning experiences and automate routine tasks.
• Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR): Immersive technologies create dynamic and interactive virtual environments.
• Gamification: Incorporate game elements to increase engagement and motivation.
• Mobile Learning:  leverage the portability of mobile tech to deliver educational content to learners anytime and anywhere.
• Adaptive Learning: technologies that personalize instruction and adapt to individual student needs.

Embracing technology and utilizing the right tools can transform your online teaching into a dynamic and engaging experience. By integrating these tools thoughtfully and aligning them with your pedagogical goals, you can create a virtual classroom that promotes active learning, fosters collaboration, and empowers students to succeed in the digital age. Let's embark on this exciting journey of enriching online education through technology.

Additional Resources

The following articles provide practical information on how to incorporate tech tools:

• Improving Student Engagement in Forums (Discussion Forums)
• Making the Most of Online Breakout Groups (Breakout Rooms)
• Examining Supply-Side Benefits of Virtual Teaching (Breakout Rooms, Polling, Sharing Content, Virtual Guests)
• Actively Engaging Students in Asynchronous Online Classes (Course Orientation, Reflections, Online Portfolios, Role Playing, Presentations)
• Teaching Simulations Online: The Basics
• Teaching Cases Online: The Basics
• Active Learning in Hybrid and Socially Distanced Classrooms

Technology and Tools for Online Teaching by Open AI is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.

Tips for Successful Online Teaching

1. Establish Clear Expectations: Set the tone for your online course by outlining clear expectations for participation, assignments, deadlines, and communication. Provide a detailed syllabus that covers course structure, grading policies, and technical requirements.
2. Create Engaging Content: Craft interactive and multimedia-rich content that captures students' attention. Incorporate videos, infographics, podcasts, and interactive quizzes to diversify the learning experience.
3. Foster Interaction and Engagement: Encourage active participation through discussion boards, forums, and peer interactions. Design meaningful prompts that promote critical thinking and collaboration among students.
4. Maintain Regular Communication: Stay connected with students through regular announcements, emails, and updates. Promptly respond to queries and provide timely feedback to ensure a sense of instructor presence.
5. Time Management: Help students manage their time effectively by providing a clear schedule and breaking down assignments into manageable segments. Avoid overwhelming them with too much content at once.
6. Embrace Asynchronous Learning: Leverage the flexibility of asynchronous learning, allowing students to access course materials and complete assignments at their own pace. This accommodates diverse schedules and learning preferences.
7. Use Technology Mindfully: Select and integrate technology tools that align with your instructional goals. Familiarize yourself with the chosen platforms and provide guidance to students on using them effectively.
8. Build a Strong Online Community: Cultivate a sense of community by facilitating icebreaker activities, introductions, and collaborative projects. This fosters a supportive and engaging learning environment.
9. Provide Clear Instructions: Offer step-by-step instructions for assignments, assessments, and technology usage. Clarity reduces confusion and enhances the learning experience.
10. Encourage Self-Reflection: Incorporate opportunities for self-reflection and self-assessment. Prompt students to evaluate their progress, set goals, and identify areas for improvement.
11. Incorporate Real-World Applications: Connect course concepts to real-world scenarios and practical applications. Show students how the knowledge they gain can be applied in their personal and professional lives.
12. Continuous Improvement: Regularly evaluate your online teaching methods and gather feedback from students. Use insights to refine your strategies and make enhancements to the course.
13. Be Adaptable: Flexibility is key in the online environment. Be prepared to adjust your approach based on student needs, technological challenges, and unforeseen circumstances.
14. Stay Current: Stay informed about advancements in online teaching methodologies and technology. Continuously update your skills to provide the best learning experience.
15. Support and Resources: Connect with fellow online instructors, attend workshops, and tap into resources provided by your institution's teaching and learning center. Collaboration enhances your teaching journey.

Successful online teaching goes beyond transferring content into a digital space; it involves creating an engaging, interactive, and supportive learning environment. By implementing these proven tips, you'll be well-equipped to guide your students on a meaningful educational journey, fostering their growth, curiosity, and success in the virtual realm. Embrace the exciting world of online education and watch your students thrive!

Tips for Successful Online Teaching by Open AI is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.

Increasing Student Engagement in Online Courses

Here are five suggestions for increasing student engagement in online courses. You might be surprised to see that many of the suggestions center around increasing instructor engagement. This is because student satisfaction and retention rates are highly tied to instructor engagement. Thus, the more instructors model a high level of engagement, the more likely students are to both enjoy the class and respond with a higher level of engagement themselves.

1. As an instructor, model a high level of engagement
   
   
   • Leave a footprint: In an online course, engagement means anything the students can actually “see” in the course environment. We might spend four hours reading discussion responses, but if we do not leave a written footprint, the students do not know we were there. To show your engagement, leave a footprint in the course several days a week. Examples of a “footprint” include announcements, emails, posting on the discussion board, providing feedback on assignments and activities, and sending out extra relevant resources.
   • Respond in a timely manner: When we respond to student emails or questions posed for us in the course environment, students perceive us as more engaged. Timely ideally means responding within 24 hours, but not more than 48 hours.
   • Grade promptly: Grading within a few days of submission allows students enough time to use your feedback to make changes to their discussions and assignments in the following module. If we are a week behind, they cannot use our feedback to advance and, as a result, their grade and motivation suffer.
   • Send weekly announcements: Sending an announcement at the beginning of the module helps orient students to the week ahead and shows them you are right there with them. In these announcements, you might summarize the last week’s materials and highlight key takeaways or themes you saw in students’ work. You can also use them to introduce the next week’s content and point out key deadlines or assignments, including your rationale for the assignments.
   • Individual check-ins: Once or twice a semester, send each student a brief individual email asking them how they are doing and if there is anything you can do to make their learning experience even better. This personal touch makes students feel seen and important to you.
2. Create a sense of community
   • Students are more likely to engage with you and one another if they feel like they are part of a community and have a safe space to do so. You can create a sense of community through a welcome email to the class (and to each student individually), having a discussion thread in Module 1 in which students introduce themselves and say hello to one another, and having a Cyber Café where students can “hang” out and discuss the course and non-course related topics. Having each student add a headshot to their profile can also enhance a sense of community.
   • To ensure the course environment feels like a safe space, post Netiquette Guidelines in the course and/or in the syllabus outlining what will and will not be accepted as appropriate communication in the course. Monitor the discussions and, if necessary, promptly remove any inappropriate communication.
     
     
3. Clearly articulate your expectations for participation from the beginning
   • If students know what is expected of them from the get-go, they are more likely to demonstrate higher engagement. A course that starts with strong participation is more likely to end with strong participation and vice versa. As such, it is important to create an expectation of and demonstration of engagement early on. You can articulate your expectations in the syllabus, the first course announcement, the discussion board instructions, and the grading rubrics.
     
     
4. Incentivize student participation
   • Whatever is graded is seen by students as most important to us and to succeeding in the course. If you want students to participate a certain amount (e.g., respond to at least two of their peers on every discussion thread), then assign points for their participation in the grading rubric. And, as we noted above, be sure to communicate this expectation.
     
     
5. Provide opportunities for students to work together and support each other
   • Partner or small group work: Although not all students are a fan of group work, judiciously and appropriately used, group work can enhance a sense of community and engagement.
   • Peer review activities: As an alternative to group work, students can act as peer reviewers of each other’s work. They might review and provide feedback to a peer on a paper using a grading rubric you provide. Students can then use peer feedback to revise their papers before submitting them for a grade. You can grade the peer review for completeness and helpfulness.

More Resources

For more ideas on increasing student engagement in online courses, have a look at these articles:

• You Can Still Engage Your Students When Teaching Online – Here’s How- Billi Schiano, Harvard Business Publishing, 13 March 2020.
• 4 Strategies to Boost Participation in Online Courses
• Virtual Classes Don’t Have to Be a Bore- Andy Molinsky, Harvard Business Publishing, 19 March 2020.
• Engaging Students Online

Increasing Student Engagement in Online Courses by Dr. Michelle Pearce is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

Revised 5/6/2020 

Inviting Guest Experts to be Part of Your Online Course

Inviting a guest expert to participate in your online course is a fun way to mix things up and diversify instruction. Guests add different perspectives, experiences, and skill sets to supplement those of their own. Another advantage of having a guest expert is the chance to showcase various careers that graduates of your program may be qualified to pursue. Students enjoy seeing professionals using the knowledge they are learning and the competencies they are developing in your course or program.

Who Qualifies as a Guest Expert?

A guest expert can run the gamut from a faculty member at UMB or another university to a professional working in your field of study. For example, if your course is on social entrepreneurship, you might invite a guest expert who is a local or national social entrepreneur or social innovator. In my Integrated Mind-Body Interventions course, I invited several mind-body specialists to present on their work as a practitioner and to lead the class in various mind-body strategies, such as meditation. A guest expert might even be an alumnus of your program, who is doing something interesting with her degree that she can share with your students.

How Can Guest Experts Participate?

There are a number of ways guest experts can participate in your course. They can prepare a short, narrated PowerPoint presentation that you can include in one of your modules. Or they might lead or co-lead with you a synchronous lecture or question-and-answer session. This can be recorded and then uploaded to your course for students who couldn’t attend in real time. Guests can also oversee a discussion question for one week. For example, in my Writing for the Public course, I invited two science writers who founded a company that translates research for the lay public. I set up a discussion forum so that students could ask the guests questions they had about science writing. The guests then responded to the student’s questions throughout the week, providing knowledge and insight about this career that I didn’t have as a faculty member not working in the field.

What Do My Guest Experts Need to Know?

Your guest experts will need to know your expectations for their involvement and the amount of time you are requesting of them. Are they creating a PowerPoint that you will use in the course at a later date or will they need to be involved in real-time while the course is running, such as to participate in a Q&A session or a discussion forum? If your guest will be participating in a discussion forum, you will need to provide them with instructions on how to use Blackboard and the various features within it, if they are new to this platform. Your guests should also know that you will be doing all the grading, even for the sections they are teaching. Finally, guest experts are usually not compensated for their contribution, so this should be clarified before they commit to being a part of your course.

How Do Guest Experts Get Access to My Course?

To participate in your course, guests will need to have access to your course through Blackboard. Your Instructional Design Team can assist you in obtaining these permissions.

Summary of Key Points

• Guest experts add diversity to instruction and offer many benefits for student learning.
• Guests can be other faculty, professionals, practitioners, and even program alumni.
• There are many creative ways for guests to participate in your course.
• It is important to have clear expectations for guest involvement and their time commitment.

Inviting Guest Experts to be Part of Your Online Course by Dr. Michelle Pearce is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

Revised 5/11/2020

Quick Start Guides

The FCTL provides a robust course design service for all faculty and schools at UMB. The center has assembled quick start guides for transitioning courses from traditional classroom teaching to online teaching:

• Moving to Online Learning - Template Guidance
• Remote Teaching at USM
• Strategies for Advising Students During Covid
• Psychologist's 10 Tips for Staying Emotionally Healthy During the Coronavirus 
• USM OnTrack 

Helpful Highlights

• Online Teaching Resources
• USM Best Practices for Privacy
• Foundations for Excellence in Teaching Online (EdX Course)