7 Strategies to Make Your Online Teaching Better

Student interest in online learning isn't waning anytime soon.  Some students need the flexibility in time and travel commitment and some students just learn better online.  If you will be teaching online in spring, consider these seven strategies summarized in Inside Higher Ed.

1. Let the technology help you, not hinder you.
   Embed as many tutorials as possible. Start them with an Orientation page, a screencast video (screencast-o-matic.com), or a screenshot with arrows and highlights (use Snipping Tool).
2. Anticipate the difficulties.
   Students will be challenged by the amount of reading and writing in any online course.  They will be distracted by the Internet and lack of accountability from the lack of physical structure.  Build in organized structure (e.g. weekly lessons) and accountability (firm deadlines, group projects, forum discussions, scaffolded lessons, etc.).  Be patient.
3. Incorporate synchronous opportunities.
   Hold Skype office hours, use Google Hangouts, or use Laulima Chat.
4. Give extra feedback.  Then give more.
   Give them detailed and prompt feedback.  Don't forget the "Sandwich Principle" - start with a positive, add helpful comments, and end with a positive.
5. Prove you are not a dog.
   Add your personality and humor in communication, letting them know that you are human, approachable, and ready to help.
6. Provide support for self-regulation.
   Set up a Google Calendar with all due dates and teach them how to receive reminders.  Or send regular announcements through Laulima.
7. Encourage play.
   Don't forget to include fun.  Think about how an exam might be replaced by a service learning project or a field trip.  Use fun tech tools such as Voki or Quizlet.  If you are game, try integrating gamification concepts.

Please contact CELTT if you need assistance with your online teaching or with Laulima.

Happy Holidays!