Are We Leaving Students Out? Designing Online Courses That Welcome Everyone

 

By Anita Samuel

Online learning has opened up so many doors. It lets students learn from anywhere, fit school into busy lives, and connect with people around the world. However, there’s something we don’t discuss enough: how the way we design our online courses might be leaving some students feeling left out, without us even realizing it.

These aren’t big, obvious problems. They’re smaller, subtle things—what we call microaggressions. It might be using only U.S. examples in course readings. Or, assuming students can easily access Zoom at any time, or requiring tech tools like Prezi or YouTube videos, without considering who might not have fast internet or much tech experience. 

Let’s look at how this plays out:

Course Content
If all the articles and examples come from one country or one perspective, students from other backgrounds may feel like their own experiences don’t matter. Even if the required materials are U.S.-based, we can still include other voices and viewpoints.

Course Format
Some courses let students work at their own pace. Others have group projects that need a lot of coordination. Both styles can work, but not for everyone. A working adult might prefer flexible deadlines. An international student might struggle to meet with a group in a different time zone. If we don’t give students options, some will feel invisible.

Technology Use
Using new tech can be great for engagement, but not if it becomes a barrier. Not all students have the same access to fast internet or the latest tools. Asking everyone to make a video or use social media might seem easy, but it can be overwhelming or impossible for some students.

The thing is that most instructors don’t mean to leave anyone out. We’re often just not aware of the impact these choices have. But that doesn’t mean the effects aren’t real. 

So what can we do?

·       Offer choices. Let students choose how they complete their assignments—whether through video or written submissions, or in a group or solo setting.

·       Include diverse voices. Add readings and examples from different cultures and backgrounds.

·       Check in. Ask students what’s working and what isn’t—and really listen to their answers.

Designing inclusive courses doesn’t mean lowering standards. It means making sure everyone has a fair chance to succeed. When students feel seen and supported, they engage more. They learn more.

It’s not about being perfect. It’s about being thoughtful. And that small shift can make a big difference.

Micromoments of Engagement: Using Polls, GIFs, and Reactions to Keep Students Tuned In

 

By Anita Samuel

 

Attention is fleeting, especially in digital learning spaces. Whether we’re teaching live on Zoom or running a weeklong asynchronous discussion thread, keeping students tuned in requires more than just well-organized slides and clear instructions. Sometimes, it's the little things—the micromoments—that make all the difference.

 

That’s where micromoments come in. 

 

Micromoments of engagement are quick, lightweight interactions that jolt students out of passivity and pull them back into the learning experience. They’re quick, low-effort interactions that can pull students back in and remind them, “You’re part of this.”

 

Quick Polls = Instant Involvement.

A fast poll can break up a lecture or bring life to a quiet online forum. Ask something simple like:

• Which idea makes more sense right now?
• What emoji matches your mood on this topic?

 

It only takes a moment, but it gets students thinking and clicking. Better yet, when they see others’ responses, it reinforces a sense of community and shared experience

 

GIFs That Teach and Connect

GIFs aren’t just for memes—they’re digital tone-setters. Use them to:

• React to a student’s comment with a bit of humor or affirmation.
• Introduce a topic in a way that makes students smile.
• Create a “reaction chain” where students respond to each other with themed GIFs.

 

This adds emotional texture and personality to a space that can otherwise feel sterile. Plus, it helps humanize you as the instructor.

 

Reactions That Actually Matter

A thumbs-up. A heart. A clapping hands emoji. These tiny gestures are more than just cute—they’re signals of presence.

 

Encourage students to react during your live sessions. Let them “like” posts in discussion boards. These tools offer lightweight, low-risk ways to participate and connect. For students who may be shy or hesitant to speak up, they provide an alternative way to feel included.

 

Small Moments, Big Impact

Micromoments aren’t meant to replace deeper engagement—they support it. They break the monotony, provide rhythm, and invite interaction. Used well, they build trust and make your learning environment more dynamic, welcoming, and fun.

 

The best part? These strategies are platform-friendly, tech-light, and easy to start using today. No overhauls required—just a little intentionality and a dash of creativity.

 

Final Thought

So go ahead—embed that GIF, run that quick poll, and sprinkle in a few emojis. These simple touches can keep students present, connected, and—dare we say—engaged.

Tech Tools That Stick: What Actually Helps Learning (and What Just Looks Cool)

 

By Anita Samuel

Let’s be real—some tech tools in education are more about flash than function. They look exciting, promise a lot, and might even get a few “oohs” and “aahs” at first. But when the dust settles, do they really help students learn better? Remember the metaverse????

The truth is that not all tools are created equal. Some are built with solid teaching strategies in mind. They support student thinking, keep learners engaged, and help build a sense of connection. Others are all style—fun to look at, but not much else.

Let’s take learning management systems (LMS) as an example. They’ve come a long way. Today’s LMS platforms let us do much more than just upload files. When used well, tools like discussion boards, scheduled content release, and quick quizzes can really guide students through a course. But that only happens when we plan thoughtfully. Just adding fancy graphics or animations doesn’t automatically make learning better.

One tool that does deliver? The interactive syllabus infographic. I’ve written about this before—it’s a one-page, visual version of your course overview. It includes audio clips, videos, QR codes, and helpful links. And students actually use it. Why? Because it’s clear, engaging, and designed to support them throughout the term. It's not just pretty—it’s practical.

Now let’s talk about tools that seem exciting but fall flat. Virtual reality (VR) is one. In the right setting—like medical or design training—it can be powerful. But in most general courses, it often ends up being more of a distraction. If students are spending more time figuring out how the tech works than learning the material, something’s off.

So, how do you tell the difference between helpful tech and just another digital gimmick? Ask yourself:

·       Does it support active, hands-on learning?

·       Is it easy for all students to access and use?

·       Will it make things clearer or just more complicated?

·       Does it help meet the goals of my course?

At the end of the day, technology isn’t magic. It’s just a tool. The real power lies in how we utilize it to connect with students and support their learning.

The best tools aren’t always the flashiest. Often, they’re the simplest tools that allow students to communicate with each other, receive feedback quickly, or revisit important concepts at their own pace. That’s the kind of tech that doesn’t just look cool—it actually sticks.

 

Microlectures: The Bite-Sized Revolution in eLearning

 

By Anita Samuel

 

Let’s face it—our attention spans are shrinking. Thanks to the endless scroll of social media, we’ve become accustomed to consuming content in quick, easily digestible bursts. So, how do we make education fit into this new reality? Enter microlectures: short, focused video or audio segments that deliver just enough learning at just the right time.

 

Think of microlectures as the educational equivalent of YouTube Shorts or TikToks—designed to be quick, targeted, and flexible. Typically clocking in at under 10 minutes, these digital nuggets can live on their own or within larger learning modules. And yes, a podcast can be a microlecture, too!

 

Why Microlectures Work

Microlectures aren’t just a trendy format—they’re grounded in solid learning theory. By breaking content into smaller pieces – a concept known as “chunking” in cognitive load theory - learners process information more efficiently. Add multimedia design to Mayer’s cognitive theory of multimedia learning, and you’ve a tool that leverages sound, visuals, and pacing to enhance retention.

 

They also sync beautifully with spaced learning strategies, making it easy for learners to revisit material multiple times for reinforcement. Whether prepping for class, reviewing for an exam, or learning a new workplace procedure, microlectures offer on-demand access to targeted knowledge.

 

From Campus to Corporate

In higher education, microlectures are wonderfully versatile. They can:

• Introduce new concepts in focused, digestible ways.
• Prep students before labs or simulations.
• Act as motivational “teasers” to spark curiosity.
• Summarize content at the end of a unit or module.
• Reinforce learning after readings or discussions.

 

In workplace settings, microlectures are a powerful tool for:

• Just-in-time training—a quick refresher before a task.
• Rapid onboarding for new hires.
• Performance support—think of it as a video-based job aid.
• Motivating employees before a new training initiative.
• Summarizing key ideas post-workshop.

 

But There’s a Catch...

Microlectures aren’t a silver bullet. On their own, they can feel fragmented, especially when tackling complex or interconnected topics. There’s also the risk of oversimplification. Used excessively, they may contribute to cognitive overload rather than relief.

 

Then there’s the issue of access. Not all learners have the bandwidth for frequent video streaming. And while DIY microlectures bring authenticity and immediacy, production quality can vary. On the flip side, highly polished professional versions can feel too impersonal.

 

The sweet spot? Purposeful, well-integrated microlectures designed with your learners in mind.

 

Creating Microlectures That Stick

Getting started doesn’t require a studio or a production team. Here’s what helps:

• Focus each microlecture on one clear objective.
• Keep it brief—aim for 5 to 7 minutes.
• Script it—this keeps you concise and confident.
• Use real-world examples to hook interest.
• Record in a quiet space with a good microphone.
• Add accessibility features like closed captions and transcripts.

 

You can use tools you already know—PowerPoint, Zoom, or even your phone. More advanced platforms, such as Adobe Premiere Pro or Articulate, are available if you want to elevate your production.

 

The Future Is (Still) Short

Microlectures exploded in use during the pandemic—and they’re not going anywhere. As AI continues to simplify content creation and immersive tech opens new possibilities, microlectures will only become more central to how we teach and learn.

 

So go ahead—embrace the micro. In today’s fast-moving learning environments, small really can be mighty.

 

Syllabus Abstract: The Interactive Infographic Syllabus Upgrade

  

By Anita Samuel, PhD

Let's be real: Course syllabi are boring. As educators, we spend hours creating these comprehensive documents, yet students often glaze over them. What if we could make syllabi engaging, interactive, and, dare I say, fun?

 

Enter the Syllabus Abstract: a one-page, visually appealing infographic that captures the essence of your course. This isn't just a condensed version of your traditional syllabus; it's a multimedia experience. Imagine embedded audio clips where you explain assignments, hyperlinks to important resources, and even QR codes that lead to videos introducing course concepts. It's like the Marauder's Map of your course, guiding students through the semester in an interactive way.

 

Creating a Syllabus Abstract takes some effort, but the payoff is huge. Students are more likely to USE this syllabus, leading to fewer questions and better engagement with course material. Plus, it's a chance to showcase your creativity and personality as an instructor.

 

Wondering what it looks like? Take a look: Sample Syllabus Summary

 

Ready to give it a try? Here's a quick guide:

1. Content: Choose the most crucial elements (contact info, course overview, deadlines, etc.).
2. Layout: Use a free design tool like Canva or Piktochart to create a visually stunning infographic.
3. Multimedia: Record audio explanations, create short videos, and embed hyperlinks or QR codes.
4. Share: Distribute the PDF version or embed it online for easy access.

 

By reimagining the syllabus, we can transform it from a dreaded document into a valuable resource that students actually want to use. Let's ditch the boring and embrace the interactive!

 

 

Crafting Captivating Course Syllabi Abstracts: Engaging and Interactive Strategies

Join us for a hands-on workshop designed to transform your course syllabus into a dynamic and engaging tool for student success. Learn how to create an interactive syllabus abstract that conveys essential course information and captures students’ interest. Whether you're a seasoned educator or new to teaching, this workshop will provide practical techniques and creative ideas to make your syllabus a powerful educational resource.

 

September 20, 2024 | 12:30 PM CST | Via Zoom