In today’s tech-driven world, digital literacy is an important skill to sharpen. Adobe Express gives students an accessible, hands-on way to develop these skills while creating visually engaging content. Whether designing infographics, producing video presentations, or building dynamic web pages, students can communicate ideas innovatively—no advanced design experience is required.

There is so much to do at the beginning of any course, why not take document accessibility off of the list, while making it an everyday habit! Document and HTML accessibility ensures that everyone, from students to colleagues engages with your work in best possible way.

As an instructor, being present in an online course requires more intentionality and consistency, but it’s worth it. It’s a case where the little things make a big difference. Here are a few small practices to help instructors and students feel more connected.

When you hear “lecture,” you likely picture a classroom full of students with an instructor talking and clicking through PowerPoint slides. In an online course, you may visualize a video of the instructor reciting their content on camera. However, “lecture” does not necessarily mean “video.” While lecture videos are often the go-to for instructors, podcasts can be an equally effective way to share information. Podcasting may be the preferred medium to dive deeply into your content.

Flip the traditional grading approach on its head by implementing a contract grading system in your course. As the name states, contract grading is a contract between student and instructor on how grades will be awarded. This system prioritizes students’ labor or effort over abstract “quality” of work.

There’s no need to wait until the last week of class to assign your final project. Breaking up your final project into smaller chunks due throughout the semester is a hedge against academic dishonesty because it alleviates the undue pressure of high-stakes exams and short turnaround times.