July 2020 TLC tech tie-in: 3 tips for using technology to keep your students connected
Posted: July 28, 2020
Looking for ways to keep your students connected in an online or hybrid learning environment? Try implementing these three tips to boost your online presence and motivate your students to tune in.
3 tips for using technology to keep your students connected
With the recent and rapid shift to go online and adapt to a more hybrid instructional model, keeping students motivated and engaged is more important than ever. Even though the use of educational technology is more pervasive than ever, the use of educational technology alone does not improve your students’ experience. Whether you are delivering content synchronously or asynchronously, these three quick tips can help you connect with your students and keep them on track.
- Non-verbal reactions. Coined from the feature in Zoom, asking your students to respond with a thumbs up or a green checkmark helps you see where your students are at, even when you can’t see them. For synchronous classes delivered on Zoom, you can use their nonverbal feedback feature to periodically check in with your students. If you are using a flipped classroom model or are delivering your content asynchronously, consider using a quick one-question Canvas quiz or Qualtrics poll to ask how students are feeling about the material before they continue to the next module.
- One minute videos. Sending quick video check-ins or recaps is a great way to increase instructor presence when you aren’t regularly seeing your students on campus. Think of these short videos as a way to emphasize the main learning objective of your module or lecture, while establishing a rapport with your distanced students. You can easily deliver these short videos via Canvas, or you can use FlipGrid to turn them into a more robust discussion. FlipGrid is now available through Canvas, check out the ITS support page to learn more.
Canvas Announcements. Need to contact your students quickly? Canvas Announcements are a great way to share information with your students and let them know you are accessible. These announcements don’t need to be formal updates. You can use the announcements to share pictures, videos, or just to check in to make sure they know you are there.