Course Design Strategies for Success this Semester
As you deploy your course design and consider the needs of your students, here are 3 strategies that will help students have an optimal experience in classes large or small:
- Student experience
- While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to curating a “well-liked” course, data shows the perception of course quality is largely determined by instructor engagement with students, regardless of class size or modality (Cash et al., 2017).
- Offer regular check-ins, including virtual office hours, routine course announcements and timely feedback on learning activities.
- Establish clear "netiquette” guidelines for course-related interactions.
- Set up collaborative learning activities by creating small discussion groups or peer-reviewed assessments in Canvas.
- While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to curating a “well-liked” course, data shows the perception of course quality is largely determined by instructor engagement with students, regardless of class size or modality (Cash et al., 2017).
- Course site organization
- Organizing your course content in a clear and consistent structure cuts down on the time spent answering questions about finding and using resources. You can do this with Canvas templates or create your own format. This frees up time to focus on meaningful interactions with students during the term.
- Class management
- Use one communication channel consistently — such as email, Q&A forum or course announcements and replies — to avoid the need to check for messages in multiple locations. Let your students know your expected response time.
- Set up discussion boards (and their grading) efficiently. Instead of responding to every post, consider randomly reviewing a smaller portion each week. Use a rubric, keep a library of common feedback for quick responses and/or incorporate peer reviews. Be sure to clearly communicate your evaluation strategy to students to cut down on any confusion.
- Send regular Canvas announcements with important information for the week, responses to questions, and/or links to additional resources.
Check out Missouri Online’s knowledge base article for more strategies and examples for your class.
New Generative AI Knowledge Base resources
There are a lot of questions about the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and its fast-changing developments. We’ve recently developed more resources for you to stay on track with the latest information we know. Check them out:
- Generative AI section on the teaching website
- Teaching Tools articles
Please help us understand your needs and wishes regarding generative AI documentation, training and support by filling out this survey: Summer 2023 AI Faculty. We greatly appreciate your feedback.
New AI and Canvas Training opportunities!
Prevent student cheating with AI
Missouri Online has launched a new addition to its Sprint Ahead faculty development program, Promoting Academic Integrity in Your Online Class. Illicit use of AI is, of course, not the only way students might engage in academic dishonesty. One way to prevent students from cheating with AI is to address some of the motivations for cheating in the first place. This sprint provides strategies for minimizing the risk that students will cheat in your course — using AI or any other means. Sprints are self-paced, mini courses that are about three hours each.
We are also hosting a new Canvas Analytics Training on 9/27 at 10 a.m.
This session will include:
- Understanding Canvas terminology
- How to access New Analytics
- The four data tabs available within New Analytics
- Messaging students from New Analytics
- Ways to prepare your course to get the most from New Analytics
Using Canva in Course Design
Did you know that Missouri Online offers free graphic design templates and campus branding in Canva? We have several templates, such as banners for your online courses, that can be easily edited to fit the focus of your course while still using campus-specific colors and fonts. We have also curated a new Brand Hub that includes official logos, colors and fonts in one location for designing materials for your courses.
USDE Proposes New Regulations
The U.S. Department of Education recently proposed new regulations impacting higher education institutions, particularly those offering programs leading to licensure or certification. The regulations aim to address concerns related to the protection of students as consumers and ensure the soundness of the Departments’ financial aid investments. These proposed new regulations could impact your professional program if it’s offered in a state other than Missouri. If you have questions, reach out to Brandie Elliott-Woodall at elliottba@umsystem.edu.
Save the Date for Upcoming Meet & Greets
Missouri Online Meet & Greets are coming in October! We’re looking forward to seeing you all at your campus. All sessions will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. Watch for announcements about our new format, including table topics and plenty of time for general discussion.
- Oct. 10 at UMKC - Student Union 301 (the SGA Chambers) | Add to Calendar
- Oct. 11 at Mizzou - Memorial Student Union N 214BC | Add to Calendar
- Oct. 17 at Missouri S&T - Curtis Laws Wilson Library 202 | Add to Calendar
- Oct. 18 at UMSL - Express Scripts Hall 105 | Add to Calendar
Mark Your Calendars for QCR Training This Month
We are excited to offer two Quality Course Review (QCR) training sessions this month to help you prepare your online courses for a successful review. During these training sessions, you will become familiar with the 5 Pillars Review form used to review your course.
- Thursday, Sept. 7 at 10 a.m.
- Tuesday, Sept. 19 at 11 a.m.
Visit our training events calendar to register for a session that fits your schedule.
ABOUT US
Missouri Online was created to support digital education and encourage significant enrollment growth in online programs across our four universities. Our team of instructional designers and developers, learning technologists, student services professionals, program coordinators and marketing specialists are here to assist you.