Students who have grown up with technology tend to learn more efficiently in active learning environments compared to the traditional lecture-based model. This means I need to adapt my teaching style and let go of some control over how content is introduced. In an active learning classroom, my role shifts from being the primary source of information to becoming a coach or facilitator, while students take ownership of their learning through discussion, research, collaboration, problem-solving, and leadership. Although creating and maintaining an active learning environment will require more preparation and effort at first, the long-term benefit is that students will… >>>

I’ve learned the importance of reviewing my course content and teaching practices based on student grades and performance at the end of the year to identify areas for improvement. I now realize that effective course reflection involves more than just analyzing student outcomes. It also benefits from seeking a colleague’s objective feedback. I make it a point to continually add new materials to assignments to provide clearer explanations and examples. Moving forward, I plan to create more video content to support a flipped classroom model and help students review lessons at home or catch up after an absence.

Rubrics are essential tools for any online class. Especially in an environment where students do not have access to the instructor, rubrics provide detailed clarification on assignment expectations, so that students can work toward earning the grade they are striving for.

In an online environment it is important to build a dynamic syllabus that clearly outlines the entire course throughout the term.  In addition to building a dynamic syllabus, online instructors need to use the LMS to create an online community.

It is important to structure everything with consistency and ease of use. Designing modules to look the same throughout the course will alleviate any navigation issues and allows students to have solid expectations for their general workflow in the course.