This module reinforced the idea that teaching online is more than delivering content—it's about creating an intentional, student-centered environment where engagement and communication are at the core. I especially appreciated the breakdown of the four roles an online instructor must play: instructor, social director, program manager, and technical assistant. It helped me reflect on where I feel strong and where I need to grow.
One of my biggest takeaways is the importance of timely, personalized, and constructive feedback. I plan to make my feedback more consistent, not just on grades but in discussion boards and peer interactions, to keep students connected and supported. I also intend to refine my syllabus to clearly set expectations for communication and engagement upfront, to prevent confusion and reduce repetitive emails.
Moving forward, I want to experiment with blending synchronous and asynchronous approaches more intentionally. I’ll use synchronous sessions for community-building and support, and asynchronous modules for deeper, self-paced learning. I’m excited to try more problem-based, authentic learning opportunities and look at evaluations as a tool for continuous improvement—not just a formality.
What’s one facilitation strategy that’s worked well for you in online teaching that you think more instructors should try?
