When creating an online course, there are some key details to keep in mind in order to ensure success for both you as an educator and your students. These include clearly communicating your intentions with your students from the start, being prepared technologically, and preparing strategically for online teaching.
In order to communicate with students, it is important to provide them with information up front about the nature of your course, so that they have enough time to plan around their personal circumstances.
- Let students know how you will be delivering your course, how they can contact you, where to look for assignments, readings, and feedback, and how you will communicate with them.
- To make sure they get any updates you send to them, ask students to check their Canvas Notification Preferences.
- Make sure your students have the appropriate technology to access your class.
- Computer: Not all students will have regular access to a computer. Students and faculty who do not have access to a laptop may check one out for an extended loan period through ATUS Equipment Loan (request via online form). See WWU’s Stay Connected page for more options on how to help your students access technology.
- Mobile Device: Considering many students will be using mobile devices, ensure your material is mobile-friendly via the Course Evaluation Checklist v2.0.
- Internet Connectivity: Students may be able to gain internet access on campus, in the dorms, at home, or a publicly available hotspot. Some internet service providers will be offering free and reduced internet for the next few months. Once again, check out the Stay Connected page for more options.
- Finally, check in with students to see if they have a situation that makes it difficult for them to participate at a distance or make the class schedule. You can read our Equity in an Online Classroom post to help you create an online learning environment that works for students with extenuating circumstances.
Instructors can create an online environment that supports their students’ unique circumstances and will lead to a successful quarter. Check out our guides on being prepared technologically and preparing for online learning strategically for more information.
Image Attribution: “social-media-5187243_1920.png” by Joseph Mucira is in the Public Domain, CC0