Best Practices for Engaging Content

Hybrid & Online Learning

Organization

Create content as pages within the learning management system in place of attachments and downloads.
Create a “Welcome” or “Start Here” section that contains all of your introductory materials and helps students get oriented to your online course.
Build a section where students can find course information such as the syllabus, calendar, assignment information and instructions, and links to help resources.
Use descriptive titles for course sections and files (e.g. Week 2 Readings).
Layout the course in the order that students will engage with it.

Incorporate engaging and diverse activities that include student reflection and interaction with the content and each other.
Create a discussion forum for students to express their questions and concerns, and for you to respond publicly.
Make sure that students are able to connect with you.
Provide email and contact information, office hours or your availability online, and feedback and response times.

Create or use text with a linked and navigable table of contents.
Break into small pieces with clear headings.
Use a program to allow students to annotate.
Write your content in an informal, personalized tone. This helps students to build personal rapport with you through the online medium.

Use or create videos that:

Help students get to know you as a real human and create personal connections. See Create an Introductory Video.
Tell a story.
Show things that are difficult to see in person (slow motion, etc.).
Provide students with the experience of seeing a new place.

Ensure that most graphics serve a purpose (limit images that are purely for decoration).
Label graphics clearly.