Instead of asking, How can I re-create what I’m doing in my face-to-face course into an online format?, instructors should be asking, How can I still achieve the essential learning goals for my course given the different technological functionality available to me?
We have schedules for other parts of our lives, so thinking about your online learning experience as something that requires scheduling…When you break up the weeks or topics into smaller chunks, it will be easier to manage your time.
Research has shown that addressing social presence and building a sense of belonging can encourage those who are less certain to join in (Garrison & Arbaugh, 2007). One technique to encourage students to engage in a discussion is to create a Starter Activity or Ice Breaker. This activity can take place in its own place or folder and can be the first activity for students before tackling more in-depth discussions related to readings, video lecturers or other content.
