Category: Instructional Design

Assessments and Assignments

Creative Methods of Assessment in Online Learning

When students and instructors hear the word “assessment,” they often think of long, stressful exams—or equally long nights of grading! But an assessment is really any task that evaluates students’

Instructional Design

Strategies for Conducting Student Feedback Surveys

Student feedback surveys, often called course evaluations, are a fantastic way to gather open and honest feedback that can improve the quality of an online course. These surveys help instructors

Discussions

Sample Discussion Board Ground Rules

Navigating online discussion forums can be tricky for students new to the online learning environment. Some may not understand their importance, while others might feel unsure about how to participate. This

Instructional Design

The Use of Narrative Structure in Course Design

No matter what you’re trying to achieve, knowing your goal is essential to reaching it. This simple truth lies at the heart of backward design, a powerful approach for building

OER

How to Find Quality Open Educational Resources (OERs)

Have you noticed terms like open education, textbook-free, or zero-textbook popping up more often in higher education discussions? These concepts are part of a growing movement to reduce financial barriers

Course Facilitation

Holding Synchronous Online Office Hours

Research shows that having a strong instructor presence in online courses can make a big difference in student success. One simple way to boost your presence? Hold synchronous office hours.

Instructional Design

Guiding Students to Think Critically in Online Learning

Humans are naturally inclined to think—it’s something we all do, without ever being taught how. From making decisions to expressing ourselves in conversation or writing, thinking is at the heart

Accessibility

Designing Course Content for Screen Readers

One of the most common tools helping students with visual impairments navigate the digital world is the screen reader. These software programs convert text into formats that are easier to

someone sitting at a desk with a computer in front of a window
Course Facilitation

Tips for Instructor and Course Introduction Videos

There are two key introductions for every online course: your personal intro and an introduction to the course. Below are some things to think about as you organize and script

Instructional Design

Universal Design for Learning: The Recognition Network

Every student brings a unique set of experiences, perspectives, and learning preferences to your online course. Some may have specific learning styles, while others might have disabilities that impact how

Course Facilitation

Community Building Through Icebreaker Discussion Forums

Research consistently shows that in an online environment, building a sense of community is crucial for keeping students engaged and preventing feelings of isolation (Tayebinik & Puteh, 2012). Icebreaker discussion

Instructional Design

Best Practices: Mid-Course Feedback

Asking for mid-course feedback is a great way to improve motivation and ensure second-half success for you and your learners. If you don’t already have something like this planned, here’s

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