UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The start of a new semester is a critical time for online instructors as they set the tone for the remainder of the course. By focusing on the key areas of communication, facilitation and feedback, instructors can ensure a smooth and productive start for their students.
Penn State World Campus Online Faculty Development shared the following tips to help instructors set students up for success at the beginning of their online course.
Communication: Setting the stage
The first step for online instructors is to establish clear and consistent communication with their students. This involves not only introducing themselves and the course content but also creating an open line for questions and concerns. In the first week, instructors should:
- Send a welcome message via email or Canvas to greet students and outline the course structure.
- Provide and discuss a detailed syllabus that includes course objectives, expectations, grading policies and important dates.
- Use announcements to keep students informed about upcoming deadlines and what to focus on in the course and readings.
These initial communications help students become familiar with the course feel and flow and build a sense of community, which is essential for fostering engagement, belonging and motivation.
Facilitation: Guiding the learning process
As the course progresses and students become more comfortable, the instructor's attention can shift toward facilitation. This stage involves guiding students through the learning process, encouraging participation and fostering critical thinking. Instructors should:
- Engage students in meaningful discussions by posing thought-provoking questions and encouraging peer interactions.
- Monitor participation and provide timely intervention to support students who may be struggling or disengaged.
- Offer additional resources and materials to complement the course content and cater to diverse learners.
- Utilize multimedia tools such as videos, podcasts and interactive activities to enhance the learning experience.
Effective facilitation helps maintain momentum and ensures that students remain actively involved in their learning journey.
Feedback: Providing constructive insights
As students start turning in assignments and assessments, the importance of feedback cannot be overstated. Feedback should not only highlights areas for improvement but also reinforces positive behaviors and achievements. Instructors should aim to:
- Provide timely and specific feedback on assignments, highlighting strengths and offering suggestions for improvement.
- Use rubrics to ensure consistency and transparency in grading.
- Encourage self-assessment and reflection by asking students to evaluate their own work and identify areas for growth.
- Offer opportunities for revision and resubmission to promote a growth mindset and continuous improvement.
By prioritizing feedback, instructors support their students' development and enhance their learning outcomes.
By embracing these foundational practices and continuously expanding their knowledge and skills, online instructors can create a dynamic and effective learning environment that supports student success from the very beginning of the semester.
Expand knowledge and skills of online teaching
For online instructors looking to further develop their teaching practices, Penn State's World Campus Online Faculty Development offers free self-guided and instructor led courses.
In OL 2000: Essentials of Online Teaching, new and veteran instructors will find practical applications of learning theories, communication strategies, information about our diverse population of online students, tips for creating a climate of belonging, and guidance about Penn State resources and policies.
OL 3400: Online Course Design offers the opportunity to practice designing engaging and effective online content and then, receive feedback on your design from an experienced online instructor.
Visit the Online Faculty Development course catalog to see the schedule of courses for 2025.
Join the Faculty Development team
Online Faculty Development is seeking new instructors. Candidates should have previously taken one or more Online Faculty Development courses and be a Penn State faculty member or staff.
Those who are passionate about online teaching and interested in contributing to the programs, contact ofd@psu.edu.
Matt Dingo is the assistant director for Online Faculty Development at Penn State World Campus.