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Teaching online asynchronously requires preparation, organization, flexibility, and strong time management skills. Most importantly, give yourself designated days or time blocks to check on your course and engage with your learners.

Below are practical tips to help you manage your time efficiently and become a more effective online facilitator throughout the semester.

Structure, Welcome & Support

• Organize your Canvas course into weekly modules.
  Set up all modules ahead of time. Publish only the necessary modules for learners as they progress through the course, rather than opening everything at once if possible.
• Prepare your introduction video and welcome announcement.
  Have these ready to publish on or before the first day of class. Include a brief explanation of how to navigate the course.
• Set clear expectations in the syllabus and welcome materials.
  Let learners know what they can expect from you during discussions and what you expect from them.
  • Example: Inform students that you will read all discussion posts but will limit direct intervention to let peer-to-peer learning evolve. Engage when needed to expand ideas, offer resources, clarify concepts, or redirect conversations.
  • Communicate that announcements will be used for recapping key concepts, course updates, and reminders.
• Provide learners with choices in how they respond.
  Allow alternative formats for discussion responses, such as visuals, recordings, poems, etc., not just traditional written posts.

Communication and Feedback

• Be present from Day 1.
  Log in on the first day and frequently throughout the first week to respond to student introductions and ensure early engagement.
• Follow up with absent students.
  Check in mid-week with anyone who has not posted their introduction.
• Grade participation consistently.
  Whether you use an Incomplete/Complete (I/C) option or assign points, complete grading in a timely manner to keep learners informed about their progress. Set aside a regular day or time block each week for providing feedback and grading.
• Use SpeedGrader for efficient feedback.
  Provide a brief summary or note through SpeedGrader, along with detailed comments directly on written assignments as needed.
• Use the Canvas inbox for communications.
  Encourage learners to use Canvas inbox to reach you and use it yourself to send important messages.
• Gather mid-course feedback.
  Use a short survey around the 4-week mark (or mid-semester) with 3–4 targeted questions to understand learner experiences and adjust as needed.
• Provide praise and encouragement.
  Post affirmations or encouragement videos, especially during times when students may seem tired or overwhelmed.

Critical Reflective Teaching

• Keep a personal teaching log.
  Document what strategies are working well and what challenges arise throughout the course. Use these reflections to guide changes and improvements for your next course iteration.