Learning From Failures: Course Design and Settings

April 11, 2022

Learning From Failures: Course Design and Settings

Teaching Tip:

After several years of teaching online and fielding learner emails full of questions and confusion, I started adding an “Assignment Purpose” section and an “Assignment Overview” section to each learning activity.

With the addition of the Assignment Purpose section, I was able to explain how the learning activity contributed to the course, the program, or their career. I would include information about previous coursework, or connect the activity to another course in the program. Once the learners understood the purpose of the activity, I also saw more engagement with the content and higher overall grades.

With the addition of the Assignment Overview section, I was able to explain the details and the expectations of the learning activity. Depending on the complexity of the activity, I would sometimes include step-by-step instructions, a quick overview video, or examples of completed work. Again, with this addition, the learners were more engaged with the content and did not have as many questions about the activity.

Tech Tip:

When using the Discussion Board in Canvas, there are two important settings that I like to use. The first setting allows learners to edit or delete their posts. For example, learners could correct spelling or grammar, or add a reference after posting. I also like to use the setting that requires learners to post their work before they can see other posted responses. This prevents learners from reading the work of others and synthesizing that content instead of conducting their own research. However, I did learn a valuable lesson – do not use both settings at the same time! To gain access to the Discussion Board, learners could post a few words as their original post, see the response of others, and then edit their work with a more complete response. Therefore, now I only use one of these settings at a time for the discussions!

Upcoming Live Training

Workshop Wednesday: Using Canvas Tools to Deliver Quality Pedagogy

Join this 45-minute workshop to explore some of the Canvas tools that aid us in delivering quality pedagogy. Topics will include the theory and data on why using simple Canvas tools such as announcements, assignment uploads, rubrics, etc. are helpful for learners. Whether your course is fully F2F, fully online, or somewhere in between, utilizing Canvas tools can aid retention and engagement.
Facilitated by James Butler, Digital Learning Strategist
Wednesday, April 13th, from 1:30 pm – 2:15 pm
Register here to join us

Faculty Resources

COFFEE – Canvas training courses

Easily sign-up for either a directed* or a self-directed COFFEE course where you can learn the basics of Canvas or Canvas-related topics such as accessibility checking and video use.

Faculty Resource Center

Self-enroll in this Canvas site where you will have access to Canvas quick start guides for online teaching, online testing resources, and much more!

Clemson Online Faculty Resources page

Peruse a host of additional faculty resources for online teaching and beyond.

Schedule a Consultation

To schedule a one-on-one consultation pertaining to your needs. Whether you would like guidance on how to use online learning tools or you would like guidance on best online teaching practices, you can meet with one of our expert staff who is ready to assist you when it fits your schedule.