Supporting self-directed learning across cultural boundaries Academics from Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University draw on their research showing the Western teaching model based on ‘self-directed learning’ is effective among Chinese students coming from different educational and cultural contextsQian Wang , Chang Xiong, Jiajun LiuXi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University
Serious play: boosting engagement in online courses through games Gaming techniques should be taken seriously as a way to keep students engaged in online courses, explains Dario De Notaris, based on his research into improving Mooc completion ratesDario De NotarisUniversity of Naples Federico II
Lessons on improving online teaching from a survey of students in Hong KongA survey of students in Hong Kong highlighted concerns relating to the efficacy of online teaching. Ka Ho Mok runs through key lessons for universities looking to improve their digital education Ka Ho MokLingnan University
Virtual exchange: supporting online collaboration to benefit all learnersVirtual exchanges enable group work between students in different locations, but studies show varied learning gains. Irina Rets and Bart Rienties use research to examine how instructors can manage virtual exchanges to ensure everyone benefits Irina Rets, Bart RientiesLancaster University, The Open University
A guide to effective digital course design and delivery from four online teaching expertsChrysi Rapanta consolidates the knowledge of four online teaching experts to produce guidance on what pedagogical content knowledge faculty need in order to develop effective digital coursesChrysi RapantaNOVA University Lisbon
Instant messaging for improving instructor feedback in distance learning One of the biggest challenges to online learning is lack of immediate instructor feedback, Justin Fendos’ research revealed. So his team trialled instant messaging to enable prompt responses Justin FendosDongseo University
Forum-based online teaching to improve student engagement and motivationA key challenge with online learning is maintaining student engagement and motivation. A forum-based teaching system, in which all students could see and compare their work within a shared online space, helped mitigate this challenge, researchers foundXiaowei Kang, Wen ZhangCapital Normal University, New Jersey Institute of Technology in Newark
Guide learning by activating students’ inner feedbackDavid Nicol explains how students can be guided to make comparisons and feedback on their own work, rather than relying on instructor comments, for improved learning outcomesDavid NicolUniversity of Glasgow
How a flipped classroom model improves learning in online STEM courses STEM courses can be challenging to master online, but research by Atef Abuhmaid and Tao Tang shows a flipped classroom model improves outcomes. Here they outline the key lessons from their study Atef Abuhmaid, Tao TangThe Hashemite University, Chengdu University of Information Technology
Strategies for scaling up quality online courses in higher education As remote and blended learning models look set to remain in place, universities need to consider how to scale online courses while maintaining quality. Michael Fried and Jenna Joo outline three effective scaling strategiesMichael Fried , Jenna JooIthaka S+R
In defence of old-school teaching during a worldwide crisis The rapid move to online teaching risks lecturers becoming over reliant on technology and steadily disappearing from their own courses. Here Glenn Geher argues the case for instructors remaining at the heart of their classes and only using technology to support their teachingGlenn GeherState University of New York at New Paltz
Building an effective home studio for remote teaching Recording classes well from home can be a challenge but by getting the basics right you can create a simple studio set up which will support effective online teaching. Here, Sean Willems explains howSean WillemsUniversity of Tennessee, Knoxville