Best practices for teaching online
- Establish your presence early and often
- Post announcements regularly, be active on discussion boards, create videos of yourself, provide prompt feedback, answer messages in a timely manner
- Provide options for students to meet with you. Microsoft Bookings is an app that provides an easy way for students to set up online appointments.
- Demonstrate your passion and enthusiasm for the subject matter
- Be sure to align content and assessments to learning objectives
- Set clear expectations
- Describe expectations of participation and netiquette guidelines
- Provide clear assignment requirements and a model of exemplary student work
- Grading with a rubric that is provided ahead of time can help students see how they will be assessed and promote more equitable grading practices.
- Provide a weekly checklist of what is expected (due dates, readings, discussions, etc.)
- Chunk content: design course content for the online environment
- Use headings
- Break learning into small, manageable chunks
- Establish a pattern of due dates and activities
- Create opportunities for students to interact with their peers
- Provide timely and genuine feedback
Links about online teaching best practices:
SUNY Online Teaching Webinar Series
Hyflex teaching
Columbia University Teaching Information
Educause - Hyflex Course Model
Online student engagement
SUNY Course Quality Review for online interaction