Online learning can occur in many different environments, including undergraduate classes, graduate classes, and workplace trainings. Shifting content from face-to-face instruction to online platforms can be challenging, but there are best practices to ensure learners get the most out of this environment. These resources are meant to guide instructors through the transition to virtual learning and provide ongoing support. They include advice for instructing and assessing students remotely as well as provide etiquette for using online learning tools. Be sure to check out our Online Learning Tools page to access training on remote learning technology.
Just In Time
These Just In Time resources are ideal if you only have a couple of minutes to start finding out about Online Learning Best Practices.
Video Best Practices
Source: Media Solutions
This tip sheet from the Media Solutions team provides guidelines for creating effective instructional videos.
Additional Resources:
Tips for troubleshooting bandwidth issues to keep web-conferences running smoothly.
A quick reference guide of best practices for moderating sessions in Blackboard Collaborate Ultra.
Web conferencing tips and techniques for presenters, moderators & attendees.
A short guide to the etiquette of the internet and rules for appropriate online behavior.
Deeper Dive
If you have more time to invest, these Deeper Dive resources are longer and/or more in depth so you can gain a deeper understanding of Online Learning Best Practices.
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AAMC Clinical Teaching and Learning Experiences without Physical Patient Contact (link)
AAMC Clinical Teaching and Learning Experiences without Physical Patient Contact
A rich collection of resources, including video learning tools, website links, and pdf downloads, featuring clinical learning experiences that can be adapted for specific local settings without the need for patient contact. Categories include interpersonal & communication skills, medical knowledge, patient care, practice based learning and improvement, professionalism, and systems based practices.
Edge for Scholars Scholarly Activities for a Remote Research Lab (link)
Edge for Scholars Scholarly Activities for a Remote Research Lab
This site provides guidance for leading a remote research lab. Here are 8 tips for creating meaningful activities for fellows, students and research assistants when they are unable to physically meet in a lab.
Encouraging Student Engagement During Synchronous Meetings (link)
Encouraging Student Engagement During Synchronous Meetings
Some students become busy, overwhelmed, or unmotivated by the middle of the semester. Included are six scenarios with strategies and ideas to encourage accountability and build in motivation from the start of the semester so the momentum continues until the end.
I am a Pharmacy Professional and a... Virtual Teacher (link)
I am a Pharmacy Professional and a… Virtual Teacher
Kristen Bunnell, PharmD, BCCCP, BCIDP et al. The Journal of the Pharmacy Society of Wisconsin, September/October 2020
This collection of stories from pharmacists across the state of Wisconsin details their experiences with virtual teaching.
Kaltura - Best Practices (link)
Guidelines and recommended best practices for usage of Kaltura MediaSpace, UW-Madison’s video platform to host and deliver educational material.
Teaching: How to Make Breakout Rooms Work Better (link)
Teaching: How to Make Breakout Rooms Work Better
The Chronicle of Higher Education
Discover approaches for making videoconferencing breakout rooms work.
Tips for Effective Online Instruction by R.E. Mayer (link)
Learner control of the pacing of an online slideshow lesson: Does segmenting help?
R.E. Mayer et al. Applied Cognitive Psychology, September 2019, Vol.33(5), pp.930-935
Five facets of social presence in online distance education
R.E. Mayer and E. Sung. Computers in Human Behavior, September 2012, Vol.28(5), pp.1738-1747
Five ways to increase the effectiveness of instructional video
R.E. Mayer et al. Education Tech Research Dev (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11423-020-09749-6
[Please note that access to the full versions may require NetID login]
This collection of journal articles by R.E. Mayer and colleagues explores facets of online instruction, such as learner control of slideshows, fostering social connection in remote learning, and instructional video, to help instructors create an effective remote learning environment.
Tips for Temporarily Shifting to Online Instruction (link)
For six quick tips about achieving instructional continuity and finishing the semester strong in a remote learning environment, read Going Online in a Hurry: What to Do and Where to Start by M.D. Miller in The Chronicle of Higher Education.
For an in-depth guide covering topics such as synchronous v asynchronous teaching, communication, interactive learning, collaboration, and flexibility to help lecture-based classes temporarily move online, check out So You Want to Temporarily Teach Online by S. Moore and C.B. Hodges in Inside Higher Ed.
UW-Madison Instructional Continuity (link)
UW-Madison Instructional Continuity
This site provides guidance for UW-Madison faculty and staff to keep teaching during disruptions. It offers advice for transitioning courses online as well as centralizes news updates on campus changes. Be sure to check out the Self-Guided Materials and Workshops and Forums pages.
UW-Madison Continuing Studies Distance Teaching and Learning (link)
UW-Madison Continuing Studies Distance Teaching and Learning
Online professional development, an annual conference and custom programs for distance-learning. The Distance Teaching & Learning team is available to support the campus shift to alternative delivery methods. Be sure to check out their micro-learning modules to get up and running quickly with online learning.
Virtual Meeting Do's and Dont's (pdf)
Virtual Meeting Do’s and Don’ts
This summary table provides the Do’s and Don’ts of preparing for a virtual meeting. It was provided as a resource for Darin Harris’s faculty development workshop— “Is My Video On?”: Holding Successful Virtual Sessions (October 22, 2020).
See also: “Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Faculty Development Series”
The 7 Rules of Virtual Meeting Etiquette Every Professional Should Know (link)
The 7 Rules of Virtual Meeting Etiquette Every Professional Should Know
Whether you are conferencing into a work meeting or an online class, these seven tips on meeting etiquette are useful to maintaining a respectful and productive virtual environment.
Best practices for hosts and presenters using Adobe Connect (link)
Best practices for hosts and presenters using Adobe Connect
Advice for how to get the most out of Adobe Connect including tips for sharing your screen, engaging your audience and troubleshooting audio.