Allowing students a choice in the topic they want to discuss grants them autonomy in their learning, which can be motivating, improve performance, and provide a more … [Read more...]
Discussion Best Practices
Discussions are a key part in many online courses. If we want students to demonstrate high levels of thinking in discussions, we need to ask questions that are designed … [Read more...]
Talk to Your Students About the Academic Code of Conduct
Talk about the Code of Conduct with your students. Research has indicated that the mere presence of an honor code in an online course can improve integrity by helping … [Read more...]
Forming a More Perfect Rubric
Rubrics are ultimately a communication tool with students that in many forms. They give students a clear picture of what you’re looking for in an assignment and give you … [Read more...]
Tips for Successful Group Work
In an old YouTube video on how to do a forward flip (on the ground), the instructor started by saying “First, you must be fully committed to it.” That advice also applies … [Read more...]
Ensuring Academic Honesty in the Online Classroom
What is cheating? I'm sure we'd all agree that copying answers from someone else's exam is cheating. But what about discussing the options and then answering? Is that … [Read more...]
The Course Wrap Up
You’ve spent weeks teaching a course, and the final week is here. You figure your students are busy preparing for their final project or exam, and the last thing they … [Read more...]
Elements of Meaningful Feedback
One of the most important learner-instructor interactions occurs when instructors leave feedback. Online students need communication and feedback on their assignments. … [Read more...]
Mining Course Evaluations
While you are teaching a course or, perhaps more often, as a course wraps up, you have thoughts about how you might change or improve your course for the next offering. … [Read more...]
Universal Design for Learning
Universal Design for Learning (UDL), which is a model for developing content that is accessible by as many people as possible regardless of age, ability, or situation. … [Read more...]