Drive online student engagement with a course humanization makeover

Streamed Session

Brief Abstract

This workshop stems from evidence, and then shares first-hand strategies, real-life screenshots, and metrics of several online course humanization makeovers. Once examining the before and after of such examples, participants will be guided through a discovery session to borrow or innovate their own course humanization opportunities.

Presenters

Lead Presenter: Meredith Butulis, State College of Florida and Rasmussen College

Dr. Meredith Butulis brings a diverse educational and experience-based background. Meredith holds a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Northeastern University, Master's in Physical Therapy from Boston University, Master's in Business Administration from Globe University, Bachelor's in Health Studies from Boston University, and a dual minor in Psychology and Dance from Boston University. Meredith also has numerous advanced certifications including Orthopedic Board Certified Specialist, American College of Sports Medicine Exercise Physiologist, National Strength and Conditioning Association Certified Strength & Conditioning Coach, and National Academy of Sports Medicine Performance Enhancement Specialist and Behavior Change Specialist. Meredith is currently on the Physical Therapist Assistant Program core faculty at the State College of Florida. She was previously the Dean of Exercise Science, and online course developer, and a multi-course instructor for Globe University. She has been in the field of higher education and career education since 2003, and in the wellness industry since 1998.

Extended Abstract

Student engagement influences student success, course completion, and instructor ratings. Most online course shells, however, do not come pre-built with the humanization elements that lead to a community of successful and willingly engaged course graduates. The days of expecting students to complete detailed reading and watch talking head videos are gone, as such strategies fall short of both active humanized-engagement, and course completion goals. 

This workshop stems from evidence, and then shares first-hand strategies, real-life screenshots, and metrics of several online course humanization makeovers. Once examining the before and after of such examples, participants will be guided through a discovery session to borrow or innovate their own course humanization opportunities. 

Note: Having an online course is not a prerequisite to attend, as both those with experience and those without online teaching or course development experience will benefit from this session.