Learning Lab | Developing and Teaching an Online Humanized Course – January 2025

Part 1: January 21, 2025 | 12:00–1:30 p.m. ET
Part 2: January 27, 2025 | 12:00–1:30 p.m. ET
Part 3: January 30, 2025 | 12:00–1:30 p.m. ET
Part 4: February 4, 2025 | 12:00–1:30 p.m. ET

Overview

This Learning Lab initiates participants into the practice of starting a course with a humanized approach, emphasizing the creation of an online learning environment that values connection, empathy, and active engagement. Through this lab, participants will explore how to lay a foundational tone of inclusivity and warmth from Week 0, utilize digital tools to foster instructor and social presence, and design activities that build a thriving community of learners. The aim is to transform the online educational space into one where students feel valued, connected, and motivated to engage with the course content and their peers.

This Learning Lab is licensed and used with the permission and in collaboration with the Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska. © 2024, The Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska. All rights reserved.

Learning Outcomes:

NOTE: You will be asked to complete assignments in between the Learning Lab live sessions that support the learning outcomes stated below. You will receive feedback and constructive critique from facilitators.

• Understand and apply the principles of humanized learning to create a welcoming and inclusive online course environment from the outset.
• Develop and demonstrate effective strategies for enhancing instructor presence in online courses to foster better student engagement and connection.
• Cultivate social presence within the online course to promote a sense of community and peer-to-peer learning.
• Design and implement opportunities that reinforce the human connection among students.