Teaching/Learning Center

Essentials for Successful Online Instruction

We condensed many of the ideas and best practices around online instruction discussed in our 6-week pedagogy course, "Bricks, Clicks, and Learning" to provide a basic set of guidelines to work from in considering virtual instruction for your courses.

Guide: Essentials for Successful Online Instruction

(Open link in a hidden/incognito browser window)

Derek Bok Center for Teaching at Harvard - additional resources on remote instruction.

First Day of Class Online

The first day of class will set the overall tone for the rest of the semester even when online. 

Below are our top recommendations! Don't let class be just a "Syllabus Day." We recommend holding your first class synchronously on zoom. 

1. Message in advance. If meeting with students via Zoom for the first, email them in advance and give them the day + time and link to your Zoom room.
2. Log into zoom a little early so you are there to greet students when they enter.
3. This first day, make sure to note students listed on your roster. If anyone is missing, make sure to let your department know.
4. Review not only the syllabus, but also how you have organized your course in the Nest. Go through the layout and ask for questions.
5. Review course expectations specifically so students are aware of how you plan to operate your class.
6. Check-In with students, will they be taking your course remotely? Are they in a different country?
7. Do a virtual ice-breaker to help build community and get the students interacting with you and each other.