Build Community, Trust, and Student Engagement in Online Courses

Accessibility

The consistent and comprehensive use of digital accessibility practices can make your course more inclusive, accessible and equitable for every student. Start by learning the seven core accessibility skills described on the Accessible U website developed by the Office of Information Technology and the Office of Equity and Diversity.

Build Relationships and Community

When you establish a culture of respect and inclusion and build community in your course, you are engaging students. Engaged students are motivated to think critically, focus their attention more distinctly on course content and activities, and develop more meaningful learning experiences with their peers. As you build community, you are building trust and creating a learning environment where students feel safe to participate. Review our recommendations for establishing and building relationships in remote learning environments.

Engagement

Engagement is a critical factor in student learning. Creating opportunities for and facilitating student engagement in online environments works in parallel with building relationships within a course. These opportunities often require using different tools and methods than those used to build engagement in in-person classes. Explore instructional strategies, activity ideas, and related tools in the guide to Asynchronous Learning Engagement.

Active Learning

Active learning strategies emphasize and center the participation of students, which may deepen learning and increase engagement. We have compiled a list of active learning strategies for any mode of instruction.

Course Orientation

Regardless of the instructional modality, a well-designed course orientation can foster a positive first impression of the course, prevent learner frustration, and significantly reduce the need for instructors to troubleshoot student difficulties. The guide to orienting students to your course quickly includes our recommendations for orienting students for any course delivery method, including fully online and hybrid learning environments.

Additional resources on equity and inclusion in online teaching and learning

• Maintaining Equity and Inclusion in Virtual Learning Environments (San Diego State University)

• Inclusive Teaching at a Predominantly White Institution (U of M Center for Education Innovation website)

Where to go when you need help

• Contact CEHD Digital Education and Innovation at deiteam@umn.edu

• More information on accessibility and accommodations is available from the U of M Disability Resource Center.