In any semester, there is a LOT for students to process during the first week of class. As faculty, we plan our courses carefully, with lots of rich opportunities for learning. We sometimes forget how complex orienting to our courses can be, especially when students are simultaneously orienting themselves to four or five different courses. Students are likely experiencing a mixture of course modes, and it may be challenging for them to keep track of the multiple course-sites, syllabi, and online platforms (in and outside Canvas). Thus, it is especially important for faculty to focus attention on the “onboarding” and “welcoming” process for students. This page provides concrete suggestions that are important for any course.

The Spring of 2020 saw educational institutions around the world abruptly convert to online teaching formats. While this transition may be unfamiliar—and even uncomfortable—the skills and techniques needed to engage and empower online learners can be learned and mastered to serve the current and ever-expanding need. This indispensable resource focuses on combining multimodal teaching strategies with innovative technology to help adult learners engage more meaningfully. The book distills decades of research in adult learning and education to provide evidence-based strategies that directly and practically apply to online environments. The author identifies five core areas for focus: principles of adult learning, engagement through presence, diversity and inclusion, community building, and enhancing learner empowerment; thereby demonstrating how to prepare for the online learning environment, design and deliver engaging course content, and effectively evaluate the learning experience.

First impressions make a big difference in the online classroom. How can you ensure that your online learners feel welcome in the class and that they have all the information they need to get started successfully? In this article, we will discuss strategies for introducing students to the components of your online course and creating a welcoming online environment.