Being an Effective Online Instructor

1. Be Familiar with Technology: 

Whether you use a learning management system (LMS) or an LMS and courseware to manage student work and provide feedback on assignments, familiarity with courseware and the LMS (and integrated technological tools) makes connecting with students easier and more effective. Jump right in to familiarize yourself with the available technology, and apply this to promote ongoing learning. Be compliant in consistently following institutional guidelines regarding use of technology so students feel a sense of continuity when moving between instructors. If you need assistance, don't be afraid to ask for a personalized walkthrough.  

2. Set Clear Expectations:

Don’t rely on students to interpret for themselves the setup of the course and the technological aspects of the LMS/courseware. Provide clear details regarding course objectives, syllabus requirements, and class schedules. Let students know how and when to participate and the extent to which they have choices. Encourage them to be proactive by accessing their course daily, completing assignments as required, and submitting work on time. Share time management tips and tools such as Todoist or calendar functions within your LMS/courseware to ensure that students are efficient, stay on track, and can plan ahead.

3. Find Ways to Personalize your Course:

When you personalize your course, students can make connection with more than just a computer. A brief welcome video ensures that they perceive that you are present and available. This simple but powerful tool helps to “put a face to a name”, making your students feel more comfortable, connected, and supported. A video introduction allows your students to meet you, and is an impactful way to begin building positive and supportive teaching relationships. The human touch makes a difference! Project yourself as a “real person” throughout all activities and communication, making sure to offer individualized attention as needed.

4. Respect Diversity and Strive for Inclusion:

Online education serves student populations with great variations in ability, interests, and access to technology. Instructors have a responsibility to recognize which tools and activities support accessibility and which do not. Be aware of using media thoughtfully so that it is accessible to all. To address individual needs, make sure you are inclusive throughout your teaching practice right from course design through implementation and assessment. In seeking to reduce barriers, your intention must be to provide a high quality of education to all learners, regardless of their background, culture, or past educational experiences.

5. Seek Feedback Early and Often:

Demonstrate that you consider your students as active partners in the learning experience. Ask them for feedback and make changes accordingly. The opportunity to share their viewpoints helps students feel more engaged and provides a sense of ownership of the course. Administer an early brief survey to assess the “temperature of the room”; this gives you an early warning system regarding the stumbling points or obstacles that students are facing. In all instances, be sure to assist those who require some form of support, reaching out for individual meetings when necessary. 

6. Ensure Availability:

You are the live human face of your online course! This implies being physically and emotionally available for your students. Being physically present means that they can contact you and communicate synchronously via phone, Zoom, Skype, or other available technologies. Being emotionally present means that they can discuss any hardships they are experiencing. Make yourself available through virtual office hours (access free scheduling tools such as Calendly or Picktime. Use the announcement/chat feature, and check into your course(s) every day to respond to anything students have asked or requested. When students contact you, be sure to respond as soon as possible.

7. Build Teaching Relationships:

Commit to ensuring a meaningful learning experience by being “present”. Initial introductions allow you to get to know who your students are. The better you know your students the better you can support them by addressing individual interests and needs. Connect with those who "fly under the radar" by thoughtfully offering guidance and support, although unsolicited. Put in the time and effort to develop a growth academic mindset and encourage an “I can do this” attitude for all learners by conveying that you genuinely care about their success and that you are here to help. When you commit to authentic engagement you will find that your students do better and perform at a higher level of excellence because of the connection.

8. Develop Multiple Avenues for Interaction:

Online learning should not be thought of as “alone learning”. Engaging your students by interacting and communicating with them, and making changes as needed, allows you to be more connected to your students as individuals. This is also a significant opportunity for your students to see you as a source of support.
Creating interactive opportunities that are purposefully designed and integrated into the curriculum. In addition to having an introduction or icebreaker activity, other ways effective instructors build in student-to-student interaction include online discussion forums, peer-review activities, collaborative work, and group video conferencing. 

9. Maintain a Safe and Welcoming Environment:

The culture you create should be conducive to active participation, where all students feel free to ask questions, share experiences, and collaborate with peers. Collaboration provides opportunities to work together, build knowledge collectively, and support each other’s understanding. Serve as a role model by creating an environment in which students feel safe to communicate and contribute. Make sure that all communication and interaction is productive, thereby creating a positive and inclusive environment. Monitor trust levels and respectful interaction in all discussions and communications. A sense of safety will help students become more engaged, leading to more open sharing of beliefs and values. A safe environment also provides valuable lessons on how to engage in productive and respectful interactions with others who might hold opposing viewpoints.

10. Instill Ongoing Motivation:

Motivating your students to remain engaged is a primary and ongoing task. Incorporate motivational strategies and activities throughout your course, including use of encouraging language, and acknowledgement of perseverance, milestone achievement, and success. Encouragement can come in many forms, including check-ins through emails, phone calls, and video messages, including one called “Midweek Motivation”. Students often need reminders to be able to see beyond the present because their instructor believes in them.