Part 4: Planning Effective and Engaging Learning Activities

Video 1 - Using Online Discussion [7:43] (Watch with captions)

• Avoid "read and regurgitate" discussion.

• Work on asking good questions.

• Set two posting deadlines.

• Use groups, not whole-class discussion.

• Give students guidelines and samples.

• Be actively engaged in the discussion.

• Choose your marking practices thoughtfully.

• Help students to see their own learning.

• Part 4: Presentation Slides

• Discussion assignment exemplar (with thanks to Tatiana Kloster)

• How to Ask Online Discussion Questions (UWisc)

• 12 Easy Tips for Improving Online Discussions (Presentation)

• Online Discussion Planning Worksheet (UCalgary)

• Sample discussion board guidelines

• How to Play Devil's Advocate (ReadWriteThink.org)

Video 2 - Using Self-Directed Learning Activities [5:07] (Watch with captions)

• Change existing in-class activities that students can easily do independently and/or that don't translate well to live sessions.

• Make pair or group work optional.

• Assign marks (even just completion), but be mindful of minimizing your own marking load.

• Give recommended completion times.

• Focus on activities that are authentic and promote critical thinking.

• Part 4: Presentation Slides

• Active Teaching Strategies for Online Learning (Camille Dempsey)

• Using Active Learning Journals

  • Presentation | Handout

Video 3 - Using Recorded Videos [6:03] (Watch with captions)

• Consider using existing online videos instead of making your own.

• Keep your videos short.

• Keep your videos timeless.

• Chunk your videos naturally.

• Don't script things; speak naturally.

• Use a webcam to enhance virtual presence.

• Be mindful of copyrighted content.

• Consider giving students a watching task.

• Consider doing quiz questions.

• Part 4: Presentation Slides

• Information on how to record videos can be found in the resources for the Planning section (Part 1)

• Adding captions in Kaltura

• Adding captions in Google Slides or Powerpoint (Kaltura recommended, when available)

Video 4 - Using Live Sessions [8:11] (Watch with captions)

• Use live sessions purposefully.

• Record and make live attendance optional.

• Create short, chunked, interactive lessons.

• Give students a practice room and send them setup-instructions.

• Use your pre-session time effectively.

• Solicit quick feedback and polling responses from students often.

• You may have to manage your class more than in face-to-face classes (and that's okay).

• When you're ready, try breakout groups.

• Part 4: Presentation Slides

• Blackboard Collaborate Setup Instructions

• Sample Welcome and Recording Consent Slides

• More Sample Welcome and Tutorial Slides

• Information on training for live session tools can be found in the resources for the Planning section (Part 1)

• Tips for Synchronous Online Learning (eLearning)

• Videos: Using Collaborate Ultra (eLearning)

• General Collaborate Ultra Resources (eLearning)