Many instructors recognize that their in-person courses exist both physically in the classroom and virtually on Canvas, Google, and other online spaces. The ongoing shift between online and in–person is a good opportunity for instructors to look at each learning experience and ask the question: how can this experience be enhanced? The answer to this question will be different for every course. Maybe holding a discussion on a sensitive topic in an in-person classroom space will best enhance the student experience. In another case, moving a lecture on foundational course concepts to an online form, and using contact hours for exercises that apply the concepts, might better aid student learning. The goal is to use any online learning tools that might create a better learning experience. Below are just a few ways to approach this. 
 

Online assessments to differentiate instruction. One approach is to move low-stakes, formative assessments online, into what we often think of as homework time. Moving assessments online gives students additional options in how they show their learning. For students who struggle to communicate their knowledge in writing, Canvas assignments provide the option to record a response. Using Canvas quizzes, you can also create low-stakes assessments in which students receive immediate feedback and can retake assessments multiple times, allowing students the opportunity to test their own knowledge and self correct. For students who have mastered a course concept or skill, instructors can provide an extension assignment, unlocked by completion of a test or module, allowing advanced students opportunities to further specialize based on their interests. This level of differentiation is more easily accomplished when students have the flexibility that web based tools provide. 
 

Flip the class to free up in-class time for collaborative projects and tasks that require higher-order thinking skills. When instructors put direct instruction (i.e. lectures) online and use class time for active learning, students have greater individual opportunities to engage with course content. The merits of the flipped classroom model are supported by the emerging research in the field of learning science, showing students learn best by doing. If you are interested in moving toward a flipped classroom model, it’s important to remember that part of your current course will live online, so there is no need to add more content to your existing course. Rather, look at your syllabus and determine what content and assignments are best suited to the reflection and review enabled by recordings, especially interactive video. The TBL planning document can help you prioritize topics that should remain the focus of in person activities. The planning guide provides course structure recommendations in alignment with Bloom’s Taxonomy:

• Before class: Lower order thinking activities that provide foundational knowledge. 
• During class: Higher order thinking activities, moving from more simple applications that address student questions to complex activities, such as case studies or group problem-solving.
• After class: Higher order thinking activities and then the next set of lower order thinking activities. 

Once you identify lower order, more foundational, activities, contact the LSA Instructional Video team to discuss how to make the most impactful video versions.
 

Online tools to provide relevant learning experiences.  Many colleges and universities have goals centered on building transferable skills such as developing critical thinking, global awareness, cross-cultural communication, productive collaboration, and marketable skills. Class activities focused on developing such skills can be expanded and deepened with the online tools available to us. Classrooms that require students to engage with shared online platforms like Google Drive and Canvas Group workspaces for communication and collaboration help students develop 21st-century skills often needed in today’s workplace. Instructors who use video conferencing technology to bring experts into the classroom despite geographical barriers help foster cross-cultural communication. Analysis of social media interactions can help develop critical thinking skills.
 

Now is a good time to revisit courses and take the best of both on-site and online learning to reimagine how students can have the most effective learning experience. The LSA Learning and Teaching Consultants are happy to help you consider whether adopting some online elements could enhance aspects of your course. You can request a consultation here, or email us at [email protected].