Humanizing Online Learning

In traditional classrooms, connections form effortlessly. A shared laugh, a casual chat, or a quick exchange of nonverbal cues naturally builds a sense of community. In online learning, however, creating these connections requires intention and thoughtful planning. As demonstrated in the resources below, design strategies consider the academic, social, and emotional aspects of learning. Humane online classes recognize students as individuals with unique needs and interests and actively foster meaningful interactions with instructors, peers, and course content. The climate you create helps to combat feelings of isolation and establishes a supportive environment where students feel seen and engaged in their learning. Multiple strategies are designed before the course ever opens.

• Humanizing Online Learning: The Power of Flexibility, eCampus Center

• How to Foster a Welcoming Online Course Environment, eCampus Center

• Supporting Student Success, eCampus Center

• Unpacking the Hidden Curriculum, eCampus Center

• Teaching Presence, eCampus Center

• Assessing Presentations without Ableist Language eCampus Center

• Universal Design for Learning, Boise State Center for Teaching and Learning

• UDL Guidelines, CAST

• How to Humanize Your Online Class by Michelle Pacansky-Brock

• How and why to humanize your online course by Michelle Pacanksy-Brock

• Humanizing Online Teaching, Humanizing Online

• The Norton Guide to Equity-Minded Teaching by Isis Artze-Vega, Flower Darby, Bryan Dewsbury, and Mays Imad

• Inclusive Teaching: Humanizing your Online Classes by Donohon Abdugafurova