Intermediate steps that set the bar high and provide support

Educate students on how to make the most of their online learning experience. Create learning materials for students that explain the basics of succeeding in online classes. Videos might highlight good digital study habits, email and video learning etiquette, and other tips for success.

Increase access to digital resources. How instructors teach isn’t the only aspect that will change in a virtual learning environment, as they’ll also need to point students to digital resources. Review library and educational technology resources available to provide greater access to online materials for instructors to share with students.
Equip faculty with technology and tools to improve student engagement and learning. Educational technology tools that remove barriers to learning in a digital classroom can give instructors an edge. Consider providing a tool like Grammarly, which coaches students on their written communication skills around the clock so that interactions with their instructors can be more engaging and effective.

Advanced steps that ensure a brighter future for student learning

Provide or reimburse for additional educational technology and instructional design training. Encourage instructional staff and professors to pursue further education in remote and digital learning to build their expertise in this new way of educating. Training materials, online courses, webinars, and even certifications or degree programs will empower faculty to have a greater impact on the online classroom.
Build circles of peer support. Aid from instructional advisors is critical, as is support from peers like other instructional staff, faculty, and professors. Invite instructors to connect and share their experiences with online learning by hosting events or assigning peer groups for regular check-ins throughout the online teaching journey.

Collect evidence-based learnings from your institution. Evidence-based learning helps instructors learn what works from what other instructors have done in real learning situations. While these learnings are available from various research bodies, institutions can also begin to collect their own and document the experiences of instructors who engage in online teaching over time.

Prepare faculty to meet the demands of online learning

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9 Tips for Bringing Higher Ed Faculty into the Digital Space