When using a textbook for your course, it is easy to lean on it as the main source of all course material. However, when it comes to assigning reading, it can be a bit too tempting to assign whole textbook chapters. Textbooks are not written to be read like a novel; they function much better like an encyclopedia. Since the writing and the content in a standard textbook are not structured to be read cover-to-cover, the rate of learners completing the reading tend to be low. Below, we outline a few more problems with textbook reading assignments, as well as some solutions that you can implement in your courses today. It is the content of the course that should be challenging for learners, not the methods of engagement.
Remember: with any learning material, you want your learners to not only actively use it, but when possible, you should model how an expert might use these materials to master the learning objectives and succeed in assessments.
Quick Hits: Zoom Features – Zoom has proven to be a great tool for remote learning, but many of Zoom’s features go unnoticed. Zoom meetings have polling capabilities, breakout rooms, chatting, etc. Join us as we discuss Zoom features that you may want to incorporate into your online instruction. We will demonstrate these features and how to implement them in your Zoom settings. Facilitated by Clemson Online’s Learning Technology Specialist, Axel Ruiz.
Quick Hits: Getting Started with Accessibility – This Quick Hits session is for faculty who are interested in beginning to make accessibility improvements to their courses. In 20 minutes, you will learn what accessibility means and how to start designing accessible content with the help of accessibility checkers. We will also briefly cover Canvas’ accessibility features, extending time on exams, and support options available at Clemson. Facilitated by Michelle Tuten, Accessibility Coordinator with Clemson Online, who brings eight years of digital accessibility experience. Pronouns: she/her/hers
Workshop Wednesday: Avoiding Burnout Using Course Design – This Workshop Wednesday focuses on specific and actionable course design strategies that can help faculty avoid becoming overwhelmed and thus leading to burnout. Instead of focusing solely on personal strategies for dealing with chronic stress, this workshop delves into specific teaching strategies and course design steps faculty can use to make their teaching work for them and their students. This workshop is for anyone teaching who is using online learning tools such as Canvas to supplement their course, as well as those teaching classes that are solely online. Facilitated by James Butler, Digital Learning Strategist.
Quick Hits: Getting Started with iClicker Basics – Whether you want to make your lectures dynamic by using real-time knowledge check quizzes or you want an easy way to poll your class about a topic, iClicker Cloud can help you. This Quick Hit is designed for those who are fairly new to navigating iClicker Cloud. Now is the perfect time to learn as we prepare our classes for Fall 2022. Join us for a brief overview of iClicker Cloud as we guide you through initial setup steps and demonstrate its functions. Facilitated by Clemson Online’s Learning Technology Specialist, Axel Ruiz.
Clemson Online – Where Tech and Teaching Meet
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A course map is a great tool for ensuring alignment as you design, revise, or review your course.
Organization helps to create an engaging and transparent online space for your learners.
Clear learning objectives provide a strong foundation for designing your course and communicate to learners what they will accomplish.
