Mastering Online Teaching: The Core Four Principles - Blog

by Angela November 15, 2023
Mastering Online Teaching: The Core Four Principles

As more colleges invest in online courses and programs, it’s essential faculty adopt best practices for digital classrooms. Dr. Eboni Mathis introduced us to the Core Four principles she uses when training faculty. These four practices can help college professors navigate the virtual classroom effectively and increase engagement and satisfaction for students. These principles include timely announcements, active engagement in discussions, efficient grading and feedback, and responsiveness to emails.

Listen to Dr. Eboni Mathis on the DigitalEDU Dialogues podcast.

Timely Announcements

Announcements serve as your primary means of communication with your students. Clear and timely communication is key to keeping your class informed, engaged, and on track. Here are a few tips to make your announcements more effective:
- Consistency: Set a regular schedule for posting announcements, whether it’s weekly, bi-weekly, or aligned with specific course milestones. This helps students anticipate when to check for updates.
- Clarity: Keep your announcements concise and to the point. Clearly outline any important information, such as due dates, changes in the syllabus, or upcoming events.
- Videos: Make casual videos talking about student assignments, key points, and expectations for the week. This fosters a sense of community in your virtual classroom.
Active Engagement in Discussions

Engaging students in meaningful discussions is vital for creating a dynamic and interactive online learning environment. To achieve this, you must be an active participant in discussions and foster a sense of community among your students. Here’s how:
- Participation: Regularly check the discussion boards, respond to student posts, and provide guidance where needed. Share your insights, ask follow-up questions, and encourage peer-to-peer interaction.
- Facilitation: As the instructor, you can also initiate discussions on important topics or guide students toward specific learning outcomes. Your involvement can set the tone for the quality of interaction in the class.
- Flexibility: Recognize that students may have different preferences for how they engage in discussions. Some may prefer text-based forums, while others might thrive in video or audio discussions. Be open to various formats and adapt to student needs.
Efficient Grading and Feedback

In online education, timely grading and constructive feedback can significantly impact students’ learning outcomes and motivation. Consider the following strategies to streamline your grading process:
- Consistency: Establish clear grading criteria and rubrics for assignments and assessments. This helps students understand your expectations and ensures fairness in evaluation.
- Timeliness: Strive to return graded assignments and assessments within a day or two. Quick feedback enables students to build on their understanding while the material is still fresh in their minds.
- Constructive Feedback: In addition to providing scores, offer meaningful feedback that guides students in their learning journey. Point out strengths and weaknesses, and suggest areas for improvement.
Responding to Emails Quickly

Communication extends beyond announcements and discussion boards. Students may have questions, concerns, or issues that require your attention. Responding to emails promptly is a reflection of your commitment to their success. Here’s how to manage your email communication effectively:
- Set Expectations: In your course syllabus, outline your response time expectations. Let students know when they can anticipate a reply from you, whether it’s within 24 hours or a specific timeframe.
- Organization: Implement an email management system that helps you prioritize and address messages efficiently. Categorize emails, set reminders, and respond to urgent inquiries first.
- Politeness and Professionalism: Maintain a professional and courteous tone in your email interactions. Be respectful, even when addressing challenging questions or concerns.
Teaching online is rewarding and has unique challenges, but by adhering to the core principles of timely announcements, active engagement in discussions, efficient grading and feedback, and quick responses to emails, college professors can create a positive and engaging virtual classroom experience. These principles not only enhance the learning journey for students but also contribute to the overall success of online education. Embracing these principles will help educators become masters of online teaching and lead their students to success in the digital age.

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Angela

Angela Britcher is a writer, communications professor, and instructional designer. She works with The Babb Group and Edusity.
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