loading page

Redesign your in-person course for online: creating connections and promoting engagement for better learning.
  • Nicole Theodosiou,
  • Jeff Corbin
Nicole Theodosiou
Union College

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

Author Profile
Jeff Corbin
Union College
Author Profile

Abstract

This spring, instructors moved their courses online in an emergency fashion as campuses were closed due to the pandemic. As colleges prepare for the next academic year, there is a need to provide flexible instruction that is more intentional for quality online learning. We taught two undergraduate courses online for the first time this spring and surveyed our students’ reactions to the course experiences. From our experiences and student feedback we identified design elements and activities that were beneficial in promoting student engagement, sense of connectivity, and learning. We describe four qualities for a successful transition to online learning: 1) big questions and core concepts; 2) peer groups including reflective writing; 3) outreach to broader scientific community; and 4) instructor’s social presence in the class. Our experience gives us confidence that courses can be redesigned for online without compromising rigor or essential learning goals.
01 Jul 2020Submitted to Ecology and Evolution
02 Jul 2020Submission Checks Completed
02 Jul 2020Assigned to Editor
14 Jul 2020Reviewer(s) Assigned
04 Aug 2020Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
10 Aug 2020Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
22 Aug 20201st Revision Received
24 Aug 2020Submission Checks Completed
24 Aug 2020Assigned to Editor
24 Aug 2020Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
01 Sep 2020Editorial Decision: Accept