Laura Kelley

This module reinforced how important intentional lesson planning is in an asynchronous online class, where content delivery has to stand on its own. Breaking material into short, focused segments and mixing formats (readings, brief videos, applied activities) helps keep students engaged without overwhelming them. I plan to be more deliberate about chunking content and clearly linking each activity back to course objectives.

Making a positive first impression starts with being prepared, organized, and genuinely welcoming. Arriving early, having materials ready, and greeting students as they come in helps set a tone of professionalism and approachability. Clearly outlining expectations and walking through the syllabus also reduces anxiety and builds trust right away. When students feel prepared for and seen on day one, they’re more likely to stay engaged moving forward.

I learned early on in my teaching career the power and importance of frontloading course planning. Doing that groundwork ahead of time also frees me up to focus more on student engagement once the course is underway. We have a strong and clear syllabus for our course with also supports the course. I think one thing we could improve is aligning objectives, activities, and assessments so students can clearly see how everything connects with in the course but also to the career programs. 

One key takeaway from this module is how much modeling matters. Students are constantly watching how we handle time, communication, and professionalism, not just what we teach. It was a good reminder that consistency (starting on time, clear expectations, prompt feedback) sets the tone for the entire class. I do many of these things for my own personal peace of mind and organization, but this made me think about the impact these actions project outward. I plan to be more intentional about how I model professional behaviors, especially for students who may not have had exposure to workplace norms. Doing… >>>