Teaching in a fully online environment can be daunting even for seasoned online teachers when they have to set up a new course. However, with some simple strategies, the process can be smooth and enjoyable. Here are four strategies any trainer can use to successfully build an online training course.

Steps to success include engaging the learner, working collaboratively, establishing a consistent structure and revising based on assessment.

A common perception is that online courses require students to simply read or watch videos, then abstract the information into a simple essay or discussion post. However, this is wrong because there are many activities that fully engage students online.

Students must demonstrate their understanding of the content as well as increase their engagement with the content throughout any course. Instructors can incorporate authentic activities that make real-world relevance and content knowledge. Authentic activities can range from examining case studies to creating problem-based scenarios where students research the problem and create solutions or address gaps within the problem.

Instructors can also use inquiry-based learning (IBL), which requires students to investigate questions they have about the content. One strategy that online educators can implement to create IBL is by implementing Know, Want to Know, and Learn (KWL) schemes. Using KWL charts can initiate content exploration as students determine what they know and want to know about the topic.