There are many resources available for online instructors that outline online teaching best practices. These resources – research articles, training documents, etc. – play a vital role in helping online instructors teach virtual classes more effectively, but they may not be as immediately useful as instructor notes, which are notes developed and passed on to other instructors in relation to teaching a specific course. These notes, which can be targeted to apply to the entire course, a module, or an assignment, can be created as unpublished pages in the LMS and placed at the beginning of each module or other appropriate areas within an online course.

Creating instructor notes is a best practice that can facilitate more effective engagement with students; they can help instructors engage with their students in ways that propel student learning and success. For example, the notes can encourage instructors to post weekly announcements and overview videos that share expertise and hands-on examples. Increasing the effectiveness of student engagement can also improve instruction and delivery that further promotes student success.

In addition, instructor notes can be a form of just-in-time learning. For example, creating notes that list issues other instructors have noticed, such as common points of confusion for students, allows the instructor to address these issues as they arise and before they become problematic. Such notes can also assist with the continuous improvement of online courses, which can be better achieved when instructors keep track of and share the aspects of their courses that may need improvement.

Finally, the notes can provide instructors with relevant teaching best practices, such as in relation to assignment feedback, offer technology-related tips that decrease the instructor’s workload, such as scheduling announcements ahead of time, and any reminders that the instructor or students may need during a specific week, such as preparing for class presentations.