During Recording
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Utilize short videos which introduce a single concept using clear language and dynamic slides (i.e.graphics and animation).
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When recording, try to “talk” to your students to keep the lecture engaging and naturalistic. Use eye contact and a natural delivery of your tightly scripted content to draw your students in.
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Your body language (i.e hand gestures), intonation and facial expressions are all effective ways of drawing attention.
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Use your cursor or Apple pen (with an iPad) to highlight content so that students can focus in on your point.
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Handwriting a formula (on a tablet) and going through the entire deductive process instead of just talking through it will help your students to understand the content.
Best Practices
One of the biggest challenges of online learning is finding ways to keep students engaged. In this final course design section, we will fill you in on some best practices in the world of online learning.
Fostering Active Learning and Deep Learning
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Intersperse videos with brief knowledge checks so learners can test their understanding with low-stakes (ungraded) problems
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Design mini-case assignments to present opportunities to apply knowledge gained across the module to real world scenarios, deepening learning through critical thinking and application
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Create well-written discussion prompts following the assignments that prompt learners to reflect upon their answers and share their reasoning with peers
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Apply intuitive organizational structure to each unit. Give each section and unit a simple name to help learners easily navigate the course content.
