The University of Nebraska at Omaha’s (UNO) Division of Innovative and Learning-Centric Initiatives (ILCI) has recently announced an exciting partnership with EDUCAUSE, a national leader in advancing higher education with information technology. Together, they are launching a co-branded Learning Lab on Developing and Teaching a Humanized Course. This collaboration comes at a crucial time as education rapidly transitions into new digital spaces, emphasizing the importance of fostering empathy, active engagement, and valuable connections in online learning environments.
A Need for a Humanized Approach in Online Learning Environments
At UNO, approximately 80% of students are enrolled in an online course in any given semester, with nearly a quarter of enrolled students exclusively taking online classes. While online courses offer convenience and faster progress toward degree completion, keeping learners engaged in an online learning environment is essential. Instructors have the opportunity to cultivate meaningful engagement and community, even in a virtual classroom setting.
Stephanie Larsen, an instructional design specialist at UNO and one of the facilitators of the Learning Lab, highlights the importance of the connection between students and instructors in fostering engagement and success. When students feel connected, they perceive the course as more valuable and are more likely to be satisfied with the materials.
UNO as a Recognized Leader in Professional Development for Digital Learning
UNO has a strong foundation in faculty professional development and teaching with technology, with over 25 years of experience in delivering high-quality online courses. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in early 2020, UNO swiftly transitioned to emergency remote teaching, leveraging its expertise in online education. As the pandemic persisted, the campus recognized the need for more intentional engagement in digital learning.
The campus welcomed Michelle Pacansky-Brock, Ph.D., a renowned expert in humanizing online education, to kickstart a series of faculty training and professional development activities focused on this topic. Over 550 faculty members at UNO have participated in humanizing online programs since their launch in 2021, demonstrating the university’s commitment to enhancing the online learning experience for both instructors and students.
Marlina Davidson, UNO’s Director of Instructional Design, collaborated with ILCI Associate Vice Chancellor Jaci Lindburg, Ph.D., to develop the Humanizing Online professional development series for faculty. This initiative has since expanded to include various offerings such as Foundations of Teaching Online, Creating Engaging, Equitable & Inclusive Online Classes, and Improving the Accessibility of Your Canvas Course. The success of these programs has paved the way for the launch of the Developing and Teaching a Humanized Course Learning Lab in partnership with EDUCAUSE.
Learning Labs Outcomes: Developing and Teaching a Humanized Course
EDUCAUSE’s Learning Labs are designed to advance learning on critical topics through live sessions, resources, discussions, and interactive sessions. The Teaching a Humanized Course Learning Lab aims to equip participants with practical skills for creating engaging online learning environments. Participants will learn to create inclusive and welcoming spaces, enhance instructor presence, foster human connections among students, and promote peer-to-peer engagement to build a sense of community.
Participants will have the opportunity to apply these skills through a lab project scenario aligned with their professional goals. Registration for the Learning Lab is open to EDUCAUSE members and non-members from any institution or organization, allowing for widespread access to valuable professional development opportunities.
In conclusion, the partnership between UNO and EDUCAUSE to deliver the Developing and Teaching a Humanized Course Learning Lab signifies a significant step towards enhancing online education practices nationwide. By prioritizing a humanized approach in online learning environments, educators can create meaningful connections with students, ultimately improving engagement, satisfaction, and overall educational outcomes. This collaboration underscores UNO’s commitment to innovation and excellence in digital learning, with the potential to impact institutions across the country and around the world. To learn more about this partnership and registration details, visit the Developing and Teaching a Humanized Course webpage.