The director of the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning at Grand View University describes how teaching online has also improved his teaching overall, including aspects of class design, assessment, discussion, and critical reflection.
Thomas Tobin shares his experience with student assessment, ranging from assigning grades for an overwhelming number of assignments and exams to a technique known as ungrading, enhancing learning through authentic assessment. Tobin provides a number of suggestions to instructors beginning the process of ungrading and links to theories and articles about the technique.
The authors discuss ways to enhance instructor presence in an online class, including social presence, and how to personalize the learning environment to positively impact and engage with students.
Dr. Schisler gives her classes a pre-scheduled make-up day for assignments and exams close to the end of each semester, explaining its usefulness as well as why it is best for students to complete classwork when it is due.
Information about techniques designed to increase engagement, involvement, and retention in the online classroom is provided.