Category: Faculty Development

Students are more likely to stay engaged if they see you as an expert who cares about their progress through your course. In online courses, the instructor is sometimes hidden behind all the preparatory work of curating and producing course content. As we begin the summer term, here are some strategies for establishing yourself as an […]

As finals wrap up and inboxes slowly begin to clear, we’re pausing to say congratulations! Whether you’re grading final projects, posting final grades, or just catching your breath, the end of the semester is a moment worth recognizing. At Clemson Online, we know how much time and effort goes into teaching and learning each term, […]

Online learning offers flexibility and accessibility, but for students struggling with mental health challenges, it can also present unique obstacles. Without the structure of a physical classroom, students experiencing anxiety, depression, or other mental health concerns may find it harder to stay engaged, communicate with instructors, or complete assignments on time. As educators, recognizing and […]

For years, PDFs have been the standard format for digital course materials. While they are easy to distribute, they often fall short in terms of accessibility, engagement, and interactivity. As education technology continues to evolve, interactive e-books and dynamic digital content are emerging as the future of course materials—offering features that go beyond simple text […]

Synchronous online course sessions can easily turn into passive experiences, leading to “Zoom fatigue” and disengaged students. But with the right strategies, virtual classrooms can become interactive, engaging, and effective. Here are five simple ways to improve student participation in synchronous online courses: 1. Start with an Icebreaker Kick off your session with a quick activity to […]

Gamification has become a buzzword in online education, but does adding game-like elements actually improve student engagement and learning outcomes? Some instructors are experimenting with features like badges, leaderboards, and point-based rewards to motivate students, but the effectiveness of these strategies seems to depend on how they are implemented. At its core, gamification is about […]

As we enter into 2025, it’s the perfect time to reflect on how we can make our online teaching practices more efficient, effective, and enjoyable. Just as we make personal resolutions for the new year, let’s focus on setting professional goals that streamline our online teaching workflows. Here are some resolutions to help you get […]

As the fall semester winds down, it’s time to wrap up your online courses with care and attention to detail. A smooth course conclusion not only ensures a positive experience for your students but also sets you up for future teaching success. Whether you’re finalizing grades or gathering student feedback, here’s a practical checklist to […]

On November 20th, Digital Learning Strategist James Butler facilitated a Workshop Wednesday presentation dedicated to understanding the impacts of trauma on learning. The presentation offers a detailed explanation of trauma-informed pedagogy and explores how applying these strategies to course design can help strengthen the educational experience for everyone.

On November 13th, Digital Learning Strategist ‘Dara Abimbade, Ph.D., facilitated a Workshop Wednesday presentation dedicated to understanding the importance of active learning in online settings. The presentation offers a concise overview of the principles guiding active learning, and explores how instructors can start facilitating active learning through various tools in Canvas.