instructionaldesign – Designed4Education

Instructional Designers:

Innovate by identifying challenges in higher education, teaching and student learning and by responding to the challenges with solutions that help instructors utilize best practices and help students master learning objectives.

Educate by providing instructors and subject matter experts with a toolbox of resources and techniques that help support the student learning experience.

Evaluate by maintaining a process of continuously collecting data on mastery of learning outcomes, the student experience, instructor engagement and user analytics.

Create courses that are are visually appealing, easy to navigate, and accessible for all learners.

Celebrate all learners and all styles of learning by incorporating universal design and diverse perspectives.

Many students will be learning online this fall. Course design and teaching strategies can support student learning and success in the virtual classroom. Below is a list of three strategies educators can implement to help students succeed:

Check for student understanding: Utilize assessments and assignments that are low stakes and provide an opportunity to assess student learning. Address any misconceptions or gaps in learning before students take a formalized assessment.
Consistency: Keep the online classroom consistent across each unit so that students know what to expect and where to find important information.
Lived experiences: Allow students to bring their personal worldviews and lived experiences to the online classroom. Discussion boards and reflection papers are great opportunities for students to connect what they are learning to what they have experienced.