Distance Education Guidelines

The eLearning Champions Committee is the college’s policy-making body for distance, online, hybrid and flipped classroom pedagogy. This also includes policy and recommendations around the Learning Management System, instructional technology, and, in some cases, in-person courses that utilize distance or remote tools to support instruction.

Below is a policies and guidelines document developed by the eLearning Champions Committee, a joint committee comprised of faculty members, administrators and staff. The eLearning Champions Committee has voted to recommend the policies and guidelines contained herein, and they have been approved by the provost for adoption as the standard operating procedure for the college.

The COTC Distance Education Guidelines (DEG) addresses:

1. Requirements for all online (as defined above) course offerings at the college. These requirements must be met in order for the courses to be approved for online delivery and must be demonstrated during the regular eLCC eLearning and Technology Audit cycle.
2. Expectations for all courses (regardless of modality) with regard to use of the learning management system.
3. Recommendations and “best practices” for excellence in distance education.
4. Guidelines for effective integration of educational technology into all courses (regardless of modality).

The DEG currently includes the following policy areas:

• Section 1: Distance Education Guidelines, Introduction & Overview
• Section 2: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
• Section 3: Data and Reporting
• Section 4: Instructional Design, Technology, Course Management
• Section 5: Getting Online – Course Approvals
• Section 6: Online Course & Program Review Process
• Section 7: Professional Development, Support, and Training

Download the DEG guidelines

Effective teaching in online courses is crucial for fostering student success, engagement, and retention in the virtual setting. Unlike traditional classrooms, online learning requires instructors to be intentional in creating interactive and engaging learning experiences that maintain student interest. It’s also necessary to have clear communication, well-structured content, and provide consistent and timely feedback to support learning while ensuring students feel connected.

Below are a few best practices to support faculty in creating an engaging online learning environment.

Best Practices for Teaching Online

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Course Design & Organization

• Develop a clear and structured syllabus.
• Organize course materials in a logical, easy-to-navigate manner.
• Use a consistent format for modules and assignments.
• Ensure all course materials are accessible and mobile-friendly.
• Provide clear instructions for completing assignments and discussion posts.

Check out this resource for more information on online course design guidelines.

Engaging Online Instruction

• Provide clear instructions for assignments and projects that students will complete.
• Use active learning strategies (case studies, collaborative projects, gamification, flipped classroom) to enhance engagement.
• When appropriate, balance synchronous and asynchronous learning activities to support the overall student learning experience.
• Encourage student participation and collaboration through discussion forums and group work.
• Incorporate multimedia such as (videos, interactive discussions, quizzes) to support learning activities.

Check out this resource for more online student engagement strategies

Online Instructor Presence

• Send regular announcements and check-ins.
• Keep instruction interesting by varying your style of communication.
• Participate frequently in discussion forums to guide student conversations.
• Foster an inclusive learning environment.
• When appropriate, use short video messages for announcements and module introductions to personalize communication.

Check out this resource for more student engagement strategies

Managing Your Time Online

• Always set clear expectations for workload and deadlines.
• Space out assignments to prevent overload for students and self
• Establish dedicated days and times for responding to student emails, discussion posts, and assignment grading.
• Use LMS scheduling tools to automate announcements and assignment reminders.
• Avoid overcommitting to live virtual sessions.

Check out this resource for more online teaching time management strategies.

Digital Learning Technologies

• Always provide clear instructions for using the LMS and other digital technologies that are integrated into the LMS.
• Ensure that all integrated technologies and links work before the start of the online course.
• When appropriate, enhance course content by using recorded lectures, simulations, and other interactive tools.
• Ensure access to technology links, tutorials, or other virtual support opportunities.
• Do not overuse technology, particularly if it does not enhance the course setting or support learner success.

Check out this resource for more information on technology use in online courses.

An effective online learning environment hinges on the consistent application of best practices that support student success. Keeping students engaged through interactive content and meaningful discussions prevents isolation and helps to maintain motivation throughout the course. Also, regular instructor presence, timely feedback, discussion participation, and accessibility create a sense of community, while demonstrating a commitment to student learning. Finally, providing clear instructions for assignment submission and technology use eliminates unnecessary frustration and allows students to focus on learning rather than troubleshooting errors. By implementing these best practices, instructors can improve student learning outcomes and support their overall success in online courses.