Boosting student engagement: Easy tactics and tools to connect in any modality In-Person / Online

In this interactive session, two educational developers from MSU's Center for Teaching and Learning Innovation will demonstrate and lead participants through several easy ways to boost engagement in courses of any modality (synchronous in-person, blended, hybrid; asynchronous). Using zoom chat, google docs and slides, word clouds, D2L, and other MSU tech tools, we will focus on low-barrier ways that instructors can connect with students, help students connect with each other, organize whole-class or small-group brainstorms, and translate effective in-person activities for hybrid or online classrooms. Participants can share tactics that have worked in their own courses. The session will conclude with a QnA and connection to further MSU resources from the CTLI. No prior experience with these technologies is required.

Upon completion of this learning experience, participants will be able to:

Understand the benefits of increased student engagement
Be intentional about promoting student engagement in any course modality
Employ a range of interactive strategies, including icebreakers and technology tools, to effectively engage students and cultivate an active learning environment that persists throughout the course duration
Know how to get started on creating more engaging courses and where to go for help
Locate a variety of resources to boost student engagement at MSU.

The in-person location for this session is the Center for Teaching and Learning Innovation. Please join us in the Main Library, Room W207 (Training Room 1). For directions to Room W207, please visit the Room Locations page.

Date:: Wednesday, October 29, 2025
Time:: 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Time Zone:: Eastern Time - US & Canada (change)
Location:: CTLI Rm W207 (Main Library, 2 West)
Audience:: Educator Network Future Faculty In-Class Educators
Categories:: DEIB & Student Success Designing Courses EdTech Educator Networking Hybrid Session Synchronous Session

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Boosting student engagement: Easy tactics and tools to connect in any modality In-Person / Online