Strategies and Practices Related to Teaching Large Online Classes

Abstract

This paper aims to discuss two key elements (i.e., course design and course communication) in teaching large online classes. After reviewing literature, it concludes that a successful online course needs to have an integrated and easily navigated course structure, adopt learner-centered instruction approaches to deliver the course materials, and employ versatile and prompt communication with the students. By using two large fundamental economics online courses as examples, the author also introduces good course design and communication practices as well as approaches that have been proven effective via student evaluations and feedback. Statistically, strong correlations were shown among student satisfaction, course design, and communication in the course evaluations.