The Learning Lab experience is supported by both asynchronous and synchronous components. Each part includes a set of resources, an asynchronous discussion, and an interactive live session, all of which culminate in the development of a project to apply learning to local and specific contexts in support of the learning objectives.
Schedule
Part 1: Laying the Foundation for a Humanized Course
July 9 | 3:00–4:30 p.m. ET
In Part 1, participants will receive an orientation to the Learning Lab and get to know their fellow participants and facilitator. We’ll review the initial steps to humanize an online course, emphasizing the importance of first impressions, a welcoming course environment, and the establishment of a community from the start. Participants will have the opportunity to assess their existing teaching approaches and identify strategies to improve the online learning experience for their students.
Learning Goals:
- Create a welcoming and inclusive course introduction that aligns with humanized learning principles.
- Establish a strong, empathetic instructor presence through introductory videos, welcome messages, and clear communication of expectations.
- Design an initial activity that promotes student introductions and community building, setting the stage for ongoing engagement.
Part 2: Enhancing Instructor Presence in Online Learning
July 15 | 3:00–4:30 p.m. ET
Part 2 we’ll look at research-based, practical applications of humanizing online teaching and learning. Participants will unpack the concept of humanizing by examining instructor presence and its impact on learning and community development. This session delves into strategies for instructors to effectively communicate their availability, empathy, and investment in students' success. The session aims to equip participants with the tools to create an environment where students feel supported, understood, and connected to their instructor.
Learning Goals:
- Implement various methods to maintain a consistent and empathetic instructor presence throughout the course.
- Utilize digital tools and communication strategies to personalize interactions and feedback, making each student feel valued and supported.
- Foster a learning environment where the instructor is seen as a facilitator of discussions, a guide, and an accessible resource for students.
Part 3: Fostering Social Presence and Peer-to-Peer Engagement
July 18 | 3:00–4:30 p.m. ET
Social presence is the essence of creating a community of learners where students feel comfortable interacting with one another and sharing their experiences. In Part 3, participants consider the instructor’s role in creating social presence. This session focuses on leveraging digital platforms that encourage peer-to-peer collaboration, discussion, and support. Participants will explore how to not only enhance learning but also build lasting connections among students.
Learning Goals:
- Design and integrate activities that promote peer-to-peer engagement, collaboration, and support, enhancing the social fabric of the online course.
- Select and utilize digital tools and platforms that facilitate seamless and meaningful interactions among students.
- Create an online environment that encourages students to share, connect, and learn from each other, reinforcing the sense of a learning community.
Part 4: Review and Reflect: Cultivating a Lasting Community of Learners
July 23 | 3:00–4:30 p.m. ET
In Part 4, participants will implement what they’ve learned from the previous sessions, and their own experience. We will cover strategies to sustain the engagement, connection, and community spirit fostered in the initial weeks. During the session participants will discuss highlights from their final project, review lessons learned, identify resources, discuss participants’ next steps carrying out their projects, and answer any remaining questions.
Learning Goals:
- Apply strategies to maintain and deepen student engagement and the sense of community as the course progresses.
- Utilize insights from final project discussions, lessons learned, and resources identified to plan and execute future initiatives that enhance the humanized learning experience.
- Reflect on the humanized learning journey and how instructors can reinforce the value of connection and empathy in online learning.
Lab Project
To synthesize the concepts learned in the lab, participants will choose from one of the application projects below. Select an activity that is most meaningful for your professional learning, context, and goals. Each of the projects require integrating principles of humanized learning, instructor presence, social presence, and community-building strategies to create an inclusive and engaging online learning environment.
- Design a plan for a humanized online course.
- Create a 'Start Here' Module that you can use in your courses or that others at your university can use as a template and explain what you’ve included and how you plan to implement it.
- Choose an online student retention strategy that you wish to develop and explain why you've chosen that solution, how you plan to incorporate it, and provide a screenshot of it being implemented in your course.