That’s a great question—and one I’ve been navigating myself. I’ve found that a combination of structure and flexibility works best. I keep weekly deadlines in place to maintain accountability, but I also build in grace periods and clear communication channels so students feel supported, not stressed.
I use weekly overviews, checklists, and video reminders to help students stay on track, while also offering flexibility when life happens—because it often does. For example, I allow a 48-hour window after deadlines where students can submit work without penalty, and I emphasize early communication if they need more time.
This balance has improved both engagement and completion rates in my courses. Students appreciate knowing what's expected and knowing that they're not penalized for being human. It fosters trust, which is crucial in online learning.
I’d love to hear more about how others build in structure without rigidity—especially in accelerated terms!
