This special report offers practical strategies for designing supportive online learning environments that address various student needs. The chapters explore ways instructors can foster student well-being and academic success by implementing teaching practices that promote engagement and a sense of belonging. Key topics covered include supporting mental health, incorporating inclusive practices for LGBTQIA+ and international students, identifying and assisting struggling learners, and utilizing tools like learning contracts to boost student motivation and self-direction. The overall focus is on adapting pedagogical approaches to the unique challenges of online instruction to create a positive and effective educational experience for all students.
Type of Material:
Reference Material / Instructional Guide
Recommended Uses:
The special report is meant for teachers. They can read it at their leisure. It could also be used as homework in a program that prepares teachers for online learning.
Technical Requirements:
Used Chrome
Identify Major Learning Goals:
Learn strategies for creating supportive and inclusive online learning environments that enhance student engagement and success.
Understand how to identify and respond to signs of student disengagement or struggle in a virtual course.
Gain practical tips for fostering a sense of belonging and community in online classrooms.
Explore approaches to promote student autonomy and motivation through tools like learning contracts and flexible course design.
Discover methods for addressing the needs of diverse learners, including international students and those from underrepresented groups.
Target Student Population:
Online instructors, Graduate School, Professional
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:
Users should have a basic understanding of online teaching practices and familiarity with learning management systems (LMS). Some experience with instructional design principles and student engagement strategies will enhance the application of the material, but the resource is accessible to both novice and experienced educators.
Content Quality
Rating:
Strengths:
The special report provides practical tips for those teaching online classes, especially in regard to how to support certain student populations—struggling students, LGBTQIA+ students, international students.
Concerns:
- While the material offers sound advice, it would benefit from explicitly linking strategies to empirical research or well-established pedagogical frameworks to strengthen its impact (instead of providing the citations - or making them clickable perhaps).
- Although inclusivity is addressed, there is minimal guidance on designing content accessible to students with disabilities, such as considerations for screen readers or captioning.
Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool
Rating:
Strengths:
Each article within the special report has relevantand important recommendations for teachers.
Concerns:
- As a static PDF document, it does not include interactive components such as self-assessment tools, checklists, or embedded multimedia, which could enhance engagement and deepen learning.
Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty
Rating:
Strengths:
Each article in the special report is well-written and concise.
Concerns:
The special report might have benefited from an introduction.
Creative Commons:
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