Opening a Conversation, Not Shutting a Door: Tips, Techniques, and Tools for Providing Effective Online Feedback

Audience Level: 
All
Session Time Slot(s): 
Institutional Level: 
Higher Ed
Streamed: 
Streamed
Abstract: 

Timely, constructive, and accessible feedback is vital to support student learning and engagement. In this session, we'll delve into tips, techniques, tools, and recommended practices for providing students with effective feedback in online courses, with a special focus on courses that are writing intensive.

Extended Abstract: 

Timely, constructive, and accessible feedback is vital to support student learning and engagement. But in an online environment, and especially in writing intensive courses, it can be challenging to find ways in which to provide students with feedback 1) in time for it to be useful, 2) in a format that students will be willing find and review, and 3) phrased in a way that fosters reflection and conversation. 

In this fast-paced session, we'll delve into tips, techniques, tools, and recommended practices for providing students with effective feedback on written assignments, including:

  • Identifying the differences between feedback statements and value judgements.
  • Research-based recommendations for offering constructive, inclusive comments that lead to improved student engagement and outcomes.
  • Resources and recommendations for creating rubrics that expedite your workflow while also offering students clear and objective standards.
  • Ideas, alternatives, and practical tips for providing effective text-based (written) comments on student work.
  • Free and easy-to-use resources for recording video and audio feedback, plus practical tips for success.
  • Tips for guiding students to 1) find assignment feedback and 2) feel confident and curious enough to read or view it.
  • Time-saving tips and techniques, including suggestions for color coding, re-usable feedback, providing feedback en masse, and more.

Time will be set aside at the end for questions and answers, and participants will be encouraged throughout to share their own tips, tools, and experiences in the chat (note: this is assuming that the presentation will be livestreamed via Zoom or in another format that allows for ongoing conversation via chat).

Conference Session: 
Concurrent Session 2
Conference Track: 
Engaged and Effective Teaching and Learning
Session Type: 
Education Session
Intended Audience: 
Faculty
Instructional Support
Training Professionals
Technologists