This interactive workshop will provide hands-on experience in building a simple, online “Encouragement Board” that uplifts the collective morale of a class, by archiving students’ positive and encouraging messages for classmates. We will also explore how and why transforming traditional assessments, like timed and multiple-choice tests, into lively, weeklong video/audio discussions can reduce stress and anxiety. These asynchronous discussions turn “gotcha” tests and their focus on “correct answers” into enjoyable opportunities that encourage risk-taking, and support student success and retention by expanding peer learning and personalization of course content. Strategies for quickly assessing student discussion posts will also be presented.

By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

1. Create an “Encouragement Board” using Padlet (for free), which they can insert into their online courses, or add to a Canvas module for their on-ground course

2. Plan use of Flipgrid (for free) to transform traditional assessments like tests into video/audio discussions that reduce stress and anxiety, and present opportunities for peer learning, personalization, and individual success.

Registration link for From Gotcha to “You Got This!”: Online Teaching Strategies that Uplift Students, Build Interactivity, and Increase Retention