Online Teaching Best Practices

Online Teaching Best Practices

If you are new to teaching online, running into a challenge, or simply interested in trying something new, the following groups and resources can help.   

Online Teaching Principles 

Teaching a fully online class requires the same essential instructional skills as in-person instruction.  The difference is that familiar techniques that are second nature in the classroom require more intention an planning: especially those related to providing structure, modeling learning behaviors, and creating connection and community among students. 

The IDEAS group on campus has an excellent set of resources on their Online Teaching Resources page that cover the basics of teaching online, as well as deep dives into other issues 

Foundations of Online Teaching

Structure, Design & Accessibility

Developing Assessments

Encouraging Engagement

Communicating Effectively

Access and Equity in Online Classes 

Online learning offers opportunities for people who aren’t typically able to attend full-time, in-person programs. In order to help make sure they succeed, make sure your course is designed to support people who don’t match the model of a “typical” student.  

Want to learn more?  Additional resources and help are available from

Online Programs and Digital Learning - College of Education 

Center for Teaching

Instructional Design, Engagement, and Support (IDEAS)

 

Julie Pallant

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New Semester Checklist for Online Classes

New Semester Checklist for Online Classes

As a new semester approaches, you can help your students (especially new students) get off to a smooth start by doing the following: 

1. Prepare your course site in the LMS (Blackboard, Moodle, or other*) 

Students will have access to courses in the LMS starting the week before classes begin ("Preview Week,") so make sure that when the access the LMS* they can find basic course information, the syllabus, the first two weeks of content, and anything else that will help them feel settled and ready. 

*If you are not using Blackboard or Moodle as the primary tool for teaching this course, students may still end up looking for your class in the LMS. So be sure to include at least one page in the LMS with basic information about the class, your contact information, the syllabus, and a link to the other tool(s) you are using. 

1. Send an email to students welcoming them to the course

Within a week or two of the start of class, use your UMass email or the announcement feature of the LMS to send a short note to your students that includes your contact information, a link to the syllabus, a link to the LMS, and any other information they will need before the first day of classes.  

For a more detailed checklist of suggestions see the New Semester Course Checklist.

Julie Pallant

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Building an Online Community of Learning

Building an Online Community of Learning

Consider adding the following to your class to help make your online students feel more supported and connected to the class community.

  • Post a recorded welcome statement from you (video or audio) in which you introduce yourself, your goals for the class, and your approach to teaching.
  • Ask students to fill out a survey or introduce themselves in a discussion so that you have a sense of what they bring to the course (goals, concerns, skills, knowledge, pets)
  • Create an open discussion forum that students can use for community building. First to introduce themselves to each other, and then to ask questions, share ideas, and support. 
  • Post a draft of community norms that you expect students to follow when interacting online. Invite students to discuss norms as a group and offer additions & revisions. 
  • Include language in the syllabus and on the site that addresses the ways students can struggle (especially during a global pandemic) and openly invite them to contact you for help if they need it. (Note that not all students know that this is something they are allowed to do, especially students who are first generation, international, or who belong to other marginalized identities.)
  • Describe what steps you want students to take to show engagement if they need to miss a live class or skip a week to care for family, health, or other obligations.  

For more advice on community building refer to these handouts: 

Julie Pallant

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