New to Teaching Online

Resource type: Self-paced Canvas course
Intended for: New faculty, emerging practitioners

Contributors:Aifang Gordon, Misty Hamideh, Lindsay Murphy, Scott Robison

This asynchronous course is designed to provide you with essential skills, tools, and strategies to effectively teach online for the first time. Through flexible, self-paced modules, you will explore key topics such as student engagement and best practices for leveraging technology to create a dynamic and interactive learning experience.

The course content is organized into modules based on the time of the term. Each module’s content will focus on two key areas: community care and course care.

    • Community care identifies ways to support the connections students make with each other, you, and course content.
    • Course care highlights administrative tasks necessary to make your course run smoothly.
Go to Canvas course

What does the Teaching Online at PSU course cover?

This module includes suggestions for preparing your course and connecting with students to set a positive tone for a successful new term.

  • Prepare your online course, including copying over materials and completing a Canvas course checklist.
  • Recognize the importance of building a community with your students through early communication, accommodating individual student needs, and offering Zoom office hours.
  • Address last-minute logistics.

This module includes strategies for establishing instructor presence and laying the foundation to maintain engagement and community throughout the term.

  • Create a communication plan to introduce yourself and the course to students.
  • Implement icebreaker activities to foster student interaction and build community.
  • Develop strategies for ongoing engagement with students.

This module includes suggestions for maintaining a strong instructor presence and fostering a supportive learning environment.

  • Plan optional midterm review sessions and provide summary feedback to reinforce key concepts.
  • Maintain engagement through timely announcements, grading, and consistent presence in discussions.
  • Gather student input with a midterm feedback survey and adjust support strategies.

This module offers strategies for key midterm actions to sustain an engaged learning community.

  • Maintain engagement by posting announcements, participating in discussions, and sharing relevant articles or news.
  • Provide summary feedback on assignments and review midterm feedback survey data to inform adjustments.
  • Prioritize midterm grading and ensure your course is prepared for the remainder of the term.

This module offers suggestions for maintaining your learning community through the second half of the term.

  • Send reminders about office hours and availability as students approach the final weeks of the term.
  • Organize and announce optional study or review sessions to support student success.
  • Motivate students with encouragement and offer a final “push” to help them complete the course.

This module suggests ways to support students through the last couple of weeks of the term and set yourself up for a successful course conclusion.

  • Make sure you’re ready for your final projects and exams.
  • Have a plan for late work and any extra credit.
  • Verify gradebook setup and accuracy.
  • Stay in touch with your students.

This module offers steps to conclude your course successfully and prepare for the next term.

  • Show appreciation to students, highlight their achievements, and share your insights on their work.
  • Submit final grades, approve incompletes, and reflect on feedback to plan for future course improvements.