Clear and concise information eliminates many problems related to education. For example, even the marketing texts for a course need to indicate which formats will be involved. Students who have signed up for on-campus studies are easily disappointed if the course turns out to be hybrid without them having been informed of this. Similarly, it is problematic if a remote learning course turns out to include a number of face-to-face sessions without this being clearly communicated.

During the education, channels need to be available for both information and (two-way) communication. Information about these channels needs to be provided clearly at the beginning of the education.

Channels for information are for example:

  • course syllabus
  • program syllabus
  • study guide
  • announcements in the Canvas activity of the course

Opportunities for asynchronous two-way communication and interaction are provided, for example, via email and via the course Canvas activity, e.g. through posts and discussion forums. Make sure that it is clear how communication is expected to take place.

Synchronous drop-in sessions in Zoom can work well.

It is important to remember that asynchronous is not the same as asocial. You can help create a sense of community early on with forum discussions and opportunities for peer contact and collaboration.

In flexible learning, some things that are important in all teaching become even more important. For example, in the context of teaching, you should highlight clearly how the teaching relates to the course or program as a whole. You also need to practice and rehearse with students what and how they are expected to do in terms of communication and technology.

In flexible learning, it is also important to provide opportunities for smooth digital feedback on the course. One way is to use simple exit tickets to capture opinions and potential for improvement. This can apply to both content and design, and of course also to technology.