When considering how to design and teach your online synchronous course, reflect on your specific situation, the context of your future students, and your teaching goals. Consider the following goals when teaching in online synchronous environments. Then, explore the recommendations for more specific guidance around planning and teaching in online synchronous environments.
1. Foster active engagement and interaction
Plan for meaningful student-content, student-student, and student-instructor interaction through activities like polling, breakout rooms, discussions, and peer reviews to promote deeper learning and eliminate passive listening.
2. Structure sessions with clarity and flexibility
Develop a detailed lesson plan that outlines timing, transitions, activities, and breaks to keep the session running smoothly. Be ready to adapt on the fly based on student needs and technical realities.
3. Support student preparedness and access
Ensure all students can participate in activities by offering clear instructions with specific responsibilities. Record sessions for those who experience connectivity issues, schedule conflicts, or are in different time zones.
4. Use technology purposefully
Choose online tools (e.g., polls, whiteboards, breakout rooms) intentionally and only when they enhance learning. Keep the technology simple to avoid unnecessary complexity and maintain session flow.
5. Build community and belonging
Integrate icebreakers, social check-ins, and student-facilitated discussions to nurture a sense of community and connection, which is often harder to achieve in online spaces.
6. Leverage Moodle as a learning hub
Use your Moodle course to organize content, provide weekly overviews, and share resources to be used before, during, or after each session. Ensure navigation is intuitive and streamlined.
7. Reflect and continuously improve
After each session, self-reflect and seek student feedback to refine future sessions and course materials. This can help create a more responsive and effective learning experience.