Class size is a key component of many important things in education -- course design, delivery cost, learning effectiveness, faculty and student satisfaction, among others. Many institutions are increasing class sizes in online and hybrid courses. Faculty members often struggle with how to increase the numbers of learners and, simultaneously, ensure that learners are meaningfully engaged. In this three-session online workshop, we will engage participants in discussions about increasing enrollments in hybrid and online courses. We will also prepare and provide participants with helpful resources, as well as host an asynchronous discussion board during the three-week period.

In the first session, Meaningful and Manageable Engagement in Large Enrollment Hybrid and Online Courses through Maximizing the Use of Asynchronous Discussion Boards, we will discuss creative strategies for increasing the numbers of engaged learners so that faculty are not overworked (it’s manageable) and students are not overloaded (it’s meaningful). Designed and managed correctly, asynchronous discussion boards are an important mechanism for engaging learners with each other, the faculty, course content, and even the larger institution. In this session, the focus will be on the different levels of engagement within online courses and, in particular, on asynchronous discussion boards. We will discuss strategies for asynchronous discussion board activities, mechanisms for organizing individual and group participation, and the importance, as well as caveats, of grading rubrics.

In the second session, Matching Design Models with Class Size Ratios, we will use class size as an excellent “portal issue” for exploring the potential of utilizing new/online technologies to improve and transform education.  Optimal class size is a function of various factors including course design, desired outcomes, and delivery costs.  Dealing honestly and effectively with class size means being able to re-visit and reflect on one’s assumptions about appropriate class size, consider alternatives based on the affordances that online and hybrid courses offer, and being willing to implement alternatives as appropriate.  This session will present a model for matching design models with class size ratios to enable participants to embark on the process of determining appropriate class sizes and ratios.

For the third session, we will respond to and engage the audience in discussion about the issues and questions that arise during the prior two sessions. What are your questions about managing large enrollment hybrid and online courses? From a faculty perspective? From a student perspective? From an administrative perspective? From a support perspective? 

All of the TLT Group’s online offerings include use of “low threshold” tools, examination of controversial issues, participants with a range of experience, and suggestions for assessment as you integrate what you’ve learned into your repertoire.