Think back to your college days…what classes do you remember most? Chances are, regardless of major or credits earned, they’re probably the ones that unexpectedly changed your perspective, where an instructor seemed to go the extra mile to help you, or in which you felt a true sense of belonging. What your most memorable classes all have in common is that they engaged you. Now, just how did those instructors do it?
That’s the question we set out to answer in our latest webinar, Teaching History Online: Navigating the Past from the Digital Classroom. During this webinar, we use online History as a use case, as our guest Stephanie Sellers, Student Services Specialist at The University of Tennessee at Martin, explores innovative and effective ways instructors can improve engagement and student achievement in their online courses
Watch the Webinar Replay
From connecting history to students’ lives to the effective use of videos and AI, this webinar provides valuable insights and inspiration for instructors looking to enhance their online teaching practices.
Stephanie, an experienced online advisor and history instructor at the UT Martin Online, shared a remarkable assignment she designed to actively involve her students in historical events. This assignment focuses on shedding light on lesser-known individuals and exploring history through the eyes of marginalized groups. Stephanie’s inspiration comes from the remarkable story of Katherine Johnson, an African American mathematician who played a critical role in NASA’s mission to the moon.
By encouraging students to discuss and learn about lesser-known historical figures, Stephanie’s assignment fosters engagement and participation on the discussion board. Through thoughtful exploration of these individuals’ struggles and achievements, students gain a deeper understanding of history.
Bringing History Come to Life through Videos and Personal Connections
One of the instructors’ most effective strategies in capturing students’ attention is the use of videos. Stephanie emphasizes the significance of providing a face and voice to historical figures, making the subject matter relatable and engaging. To accomplish this, she creates her own video content, including lectures and instructions, and incorporates carefully selected YouTube videos. Through video content, students not only absorb information, but they also connect with the emotions and experiences of historical figures.
Stephanie suggests the importance of connecting history to students’ lives and cultures. By incorporating personal experiences and cultural references, instructors can bridge the gap between the past and the present, making history more relatable and meaningful for students.
Encouraging Active Participation through Discussion Boards
Stephanie highlights the significance of discussion boards in fostering student participation and engagement. She shares her successful approach to encourage students to go beyond minimum requirements and actively contribute to discussions. Instructors play a crucial role in creating a supportive environment where students feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and insights.
Stephanie’s grading system focuses on participation, valuing substantial comments over mere one-sentence responses. The assignment prompts students to engage with their classmates by providing feedback and supporting each other’s learning. Additionally, Stephanie offers the option for students to express their thoughts through video comments, allowing for a more diverse and personalized approach to participation.
Finding the Balance: Leveraging AI in Online Teaching
Presenters then turn their attention to the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education. They acknowledge that while AI offers powerful tools for generating answers and simplifying reading assignments, it requires a delicate balance to ensure students don’t rely solely on the technology.
They propose an innovative suggestion: allowing students to use AI for specific tasks, such as certain assignments, and then comparing the results to their own work. This approach promotes critical thinking and encourages students to reflect on the limitations of AI, fostering a deeper understanding of the subject matter.
Personalized Assignments: A Gateway to Engaged Learning
The speakers close in on the significance of personalized assignments in history classes. By tailoring assignments to individual interests and encouraging students to reflect on concepts, history becomes more accessible and enjoyable.
They cite an example of an assignment based on the Egyptian Book of the Dead, where students watch videos, analyze concepts, reflect, and generate thoughtful questions for discussion. This personalized approach leads to diverse and engaged responses, creating a dynamic virtual classroom experience.
Embracing Technology and Collaboration
David and Stephanie further explored the changing communication preferences of younger generations, highlighting the importance of incorporating platforms like Snapchat and Discord into the online teaching experience. They emphasize the significance of instructors sharing ideas and strategies for engaging students, promoting interactive discussions.
They also discussed their own experiences visiting historical sites and using technology to enhance their teaching. Harnessing platforms like Harmonize, instructors facilitate student engagement and encourage image annotation for assignments. The online environment becomes a hub for collaboration and shared learning experiences.
Exciting New Product Updates
At the close of the webinar, David announced two exciting updates for online classes. Firstly, Harmonize is introducing a screen share feature, enabling students to present their projects and slideshows, fostering a sense of active participation. Secondly, an AI Rubric Coach offers valuable guidance to students, assessing their assignments and providing suggestions for improvement.
With a webinar packed full of practical advice, we encourage instructors to explore the extensive possibilities available in teaching their courses online, making history come alive for their students.
