Online Learning

Utlize the Online & Hybrid Course Readiness Checklist to guide the development and design of your course.

Clear and explicit communication is essential for a successful online course. Be sure that students know where updates and information will be posted and be consistent in your messaging so students always know where to check and what to look for related to assignments, announcements, etc. Blackboard announcements are a great way to remind students to check for updates, changes or modifications and, when you post your announcement, you have the option of sending the message as an email as well.

While it is always important to be flexible, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, try to be consistent in the procedures for submitting assignments, discussions, etc. Keeping everything in one place will help everyone keep track and avoid misplaced documents.

Utilize grading rubrics to communicate expectations to students and to facilitate your online grading process. Should you make changes to any of the grading rubrics, communicate with students so that they are aware of the updates.

Keeping in mind that students may not have initially intended to be taking online courses this fall, access to technology will likely continue to be an issue for many of our students. Before the semester begins, survey your students to find out what technology they have and what their limitations might be (i.e. poor internet connection, no webcam, working from a smart phone, etc.). This will help you to identify potential challenges well in advance so that you can plan for equitable accommodations or adjust your original plan. The CITL has compiled a survey from faculty across multiple institutions that you are welcome to modify and use in your upcoming courses. Also, here is a survey that Ron Rhoades from the Gordon Ford College of Business collects from his students to gather more information to facilitate a positive learning environment. Collecting this kind of information will likely prove invaluable to you as you progress through the semester.