8. Interaction, Communication, and Engagement

Provide students with multiple opportunities to engage throughout the course. Plan regular interaction using a variety of methods to help reach and support all students.

Before the Course Starts

8.1 Provide opportunities throughout the course that support Instructor-Student engagement, Student-Student engagement, and Student-Content engagement.

8.2 Create a communication plan by determining when, what, and how you will communicate with students.
Throughout the Course

8.3 Use a variety of communication methods to reach students, such as:

  • Sending individual or whole class emails.
  • Posting course announcements.
  • Responding to students on each discussion topic.
  • Providing assignment feedback.

8.4 Model respectful interactions and communication.

8.5 Monitor and actively participate in online discussions, both in-person or online in D2L.

8.6 Provide useful, timely feedback on course assignments and activities.

8.7 Provide multiple opportunities for students to receive feedback throughout the course.

8.8 Provide multiple opportunities for students to provide feedback about the course.

8.9 Use a variety of engagement techniques (methods, technologies, and formats) to support learner variability and students' unique needs.

8.10 Provide opportunities for group work/collaboration.

8.11 Create a community of engaged students by:

  • Making connections with students.
  • Being enthusiastic and passionate about the course.
  • Building trust.
  • Modeling empathy, kindness, and compassion.
  • Empowering students through strengths.
  • Considering how students best learn.
  • Welcoming mistakes as part of the learning process.

(Sochacki, 2020)