Educational activities to prepare students for participation in hybrid and online learning

Good practices in planning and implementing introductory activities for online teaching include courses that use structured orientation modules available through the learning system. In such courses, students have the opportunity to familiarise themselves with digital tools, methods and standards within the course before the start of active teaching. Some study programmes also include a self-assessment of digital competencies as part of the orientation process, which allows students to identify their own strengths and areas for development.

Additionally, an effective approach includes integrating clear and easily accessible student support sections within each course. These sections often include technical instructions, frequently asked questions, support contact information and helpful tips for successfully participating in online learning. In this way, faculty create a predictable and supportive digital environment that makes it easier for students to navigate and increases their sense of belonging to the educational community.

Examples of activities

One example is the design of a demonstration course or sample module that allows students to explore the digital environment without pressure, try out tasks and learn how to work before formal assessment begins. An example of such an activity is the MOOC on the use of educational technologies for first-year undergraduate students, which is held at the beginning of each academic year at the Faculty of Philosophy of the University of Zagreb and which is attended by all freshmen of that HEI.

Another example involves including student feedback from previous course offerings in introductory materials, which provides new students with useful advice from the perspective of their peers and further builds a sense of community and support.