active learning

Self-Guided Course Design and Development

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May 26, 2026

 by 

Kelsey Keefe

Overview

This post guides UConn faculty in designing, building, and teaching online and hybrid courses. Please see UConn Registrar’s Course Modalities for a complete explanation of each instructional approach.

The phases outlined are intended for faculty with a strong background in teaching and pedagogy who are already comfortable using HuskyCT.  To learn more about the skills and knowledge needed, see UConn Competencies for Online and Hybrid Instruction.

We encourage faculty who prefer a more guided support model to review the phases outlined in this site and then contact eCampus to work with one of our staff members.

Human symbol with arms extended to indicate universal design of learningThis icon indicates information related to accessibility and universal design of learning.

Symbol of half human brain and half electronic wire branches with letters AI indicating an Artificial Intelligence tip.This icon indicates information related to Artificial Intelligence use in course design.

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Collaborative (Group) Learning Online

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May 22, 2026

 by 

Kelsey Keefe

Overview

Collaborative learning, also known as group learning, is an opportunity for students to develop higher-order cognitive skills, promote connections and community, and engage with different perspectives. To facilitate student collaboration online, it requires designing the activity as well as selecting the best technology to connect students.

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An Overview of VoiceThread

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November 17, 2025

 by 

Kelsey Keefe

Overview

VoiceThread is an asynchronous discussion and presentation tool that is integrated into HuskyCT (Blackboard). A VoiceThread is a collaborative multimedia slide-based presentation that can include materials such as PowerPoint slides, images, documents, videos, audio files, and other audio-visual content. Users can engage with the content and each other using video-, audio-, and text-based interactions. Online instructors can leverage VoiceThread to create asynchronous discussions, deliver interactive lectures, or facilitate group projects. Its flexibility supports diverse learning styles and encourages participation, making it an ideal tool for building community in online courses.

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Promoting Student Engagement in Your Online Course

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May 26, 2026

 by 

Kelsey Keefe

Overview

Student engagement is essential to effective teaching, but it can feel more elusive in online environments. Instructors often wonder how to foster interaction, ensure students engage with course materials and build a vibrant learning community. This article provides practical, actionable strategies for increasing student engagement in online course modalities.

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Facilitating Online Discussions

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Last modified on 

February 18, 2025

 by 

Betsy Guala

Overview

Online discussions are used to build dynamic learning communities, to synthesize key concepts, and to promote critical thinking skills. This article highlights tips for successfully facilitating online discussions.

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