Principles of Effective Online Teaching

IDEA values and strives to provide the highest quality in distance education. These guiding principles are meant to assist IDEA faculty in developing exceptional pedagogy and curriculum for online courses. 
Adopted by the Human Sciences Board of Directors on October 25, 2016.

Printable Resources:

• Principles of Effective Online Teaching (PDF)
• Best Practices for Online Teachers (PDF)
• Classroom Instructor Competencies and Best Practices (PDF)
  
  

Principle 1: Student-Faculty Contact

Clear guidelines and policies regarding communication, regular communication with students throughout the course, and using proactive course management strategies enhance student-faculty interaction. 

Two instructors discuss the importance of interaction. 

Principle 2: Cooperation Among Students

Student engagement in the course, and with each other, is increased when instructors design coursework that facilitates cooperative “meaning-making” among students. 

One instructor explains how he provides opportunities for students to learn from each other.

Principle 3: Active Learning

Student-to-student sharing of completed coursework provides motivation and encourages peer discussion. 

One instructor explains how project-based learning helps students learn from each other.

Principle 4: Prompt and Meaningful Feedback

Students benefit when instructors provide two types of feedback: information feedback and acknowledgment feedback.

Principle 5: Deadlines and Consistent Patterns of Course Activities

Clear deadlines and consistent patterns of course activities help students manage busy schedules and encourage regular communication.

Principle 6: High Expectations

High expectations are established through challenging assignments, discussions, and examples of good work. 

IDEA provides a community of professionals.

Principle 7: Diverse Talents and Ways of Learning

Making courses and documents accessible, allowing students to choose project format and project topics, and integrating student-led discussions help incorporate diverse views into online courses and accommodate all students. 

Hear a student explain how the curriculum was flexible, allowing her to choose research topics she was passionate about.

Principle 8: Course Quality

Online courses are best when instructors continually monitor and improve the quality of their online courses. 

Learn about curriculum connected to the industry.