What are the best strategies for faculty to adopt new learning management techniques?

1 Identify your goals and needs

Before you decide to adopt a new learning management technique, you should first identify your goals and needs for your course. What are the learning outcomes, objectives, and expectations that you want to achieve? How do you want to engage and interact with your students? What are the strengths and weaknesses of your current learning management technique? By answering these questions, you can narrow down your options and select the most suitable and effective technique for your course.

2 Research and evaluate available options

Once you have identified your goals and needs, you should research and evaluate the available options for learning management techniques. You can use various sources, such as online reviews, peer recommendations, professional associations, or vendor websites, to learn more about the features, benefits, and drawbacks of different techniques. You should also consider the compatibility, accessibility, usability, and affordability of the techniques, as well as the support and training that they offer. You can use a rubric or a checklist to compare and contrast the options and choose the best one for your course.

3 Plan and implement the adoption process

After you have selected a new learning management technique, you should plan and implement the adoption process. You should start by creating a timeline and a budget for the adoption, as well as identifying the roles and responsibilities of the stakeholders involved. You should also communicate the rationale and the benefits of the adoption to your students, colleagues, and administrators, and address any concerns or questions that they may have. You should also prepare and test the new technique before launching it, and provide adequate training and guidance to yourself and your students.

4 Monitor and evaluate the results

The adoption process does not end with the launch of the new learning management technique. You should also monitor and evaluate the results of the adoption, and make adjustments as needed. You can use various methods, such as surveys, feedback, analytics, or observations, to measure the impact of the new technique on your course design, delivery, and assessment. You should also reflect on your own experience and satisfaction with the new technique, and identify any challenges or opportunities for improvement. You should also share your findings and best practices with your peers and the wider community.

5 Seek and apply feedback

One of the best ways to improve your learning management techniques is to seek and apply feedback from various sources. You can solicit feedback from your students, colleagues, mentors, or experts, and use it to enhance your course quality and effectiveness. You can also use feedback to identify your strengths and areas for development, and to set goals for your professional growth. You should also be open to giving feedback to others who are adopting new learning management techniques, and to learn from their experiences and insights.

6 Keep up with the trends and innovations

Learning management techniques are constantly evolving and changing, as new technologies, pedagogies, and standards emerge. Therefore, you should keep up with the trends and innovations in the field, and be ready to adapt and update your learning management techniques accordingly. You can use various sources, such as journals, blogs, podcasts, webinars, or conferences, to stay informed and inspired by the latest developments and best practices in learning management. You should also be curious and creative, and experiment with new techniques that can enhance your course and your students' learning.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?