20-Minute Mentors

How Can I Truly Enjoy Teaching Asynchronous Online Classes?

In this 20-Minute Mentor, educator and author Flower Darby shares practical, research-informed strategies to bring joy, connection, and meaning back into your online teaching.

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How Can I Truly Enjoy Teaching Asynchronous Online Classes?

Teaching asynchronously can often feel isolating and exhausting. Without live interaction, it’s easy to feel disconnected from students, unsure if your efforts are making an impact, and at risk of burnout. Many educators struggle to maintain a sense of purpose and connection in their online courses, especially when trying to engage students who may seem distant or disengaged.

In this 20-Minute Mentor, educator and author Flower Darby offers a powerful solution. Drawing on the PERMA Theory of well-being and emotion science, she shares six research-informed strategies to help you bring joy, connection, and meaning back into your asynchronous teaching. You’ll learn how to humanize your course, foster positive emotions, and build strong student relationships—without needing to overhaul your content. Whether you’re feeling burnt out or simply want to improve your online teaching experience, this session provides the mindset and tools to help you thrive.

After viewing this Magna 20-Minute Mentor, participants will be able to: 

  • Identify the five elements of the PERMA Theory and their relevance to instructor well-being
  • Explain how positive emotions influence student engagement and learning in asynchronous courses
  • Describe common challenges of teaching asynchronously and strategies to overcome them
  • Apply techniques to foster stronger student-instructor relationships online
  • Create a more humanized, encouraging presence in online course materials and communication

TOPICS COVERED 

  • Apply the PERMA Theory to enhance online teaching well-being
  • Cultivate positive emotions to support learning and motivation
  • Build meaningful relationships in asynchronous environments
  • Humanize your online presence through authentic communication
  • Design engaging and enjoyable course activities
  • Balance interaction with boundaries to protect instructor energy

AUDIENCE

This program will benefit:

  • Online Faculty
  • Instructional Designers
  • Department Chairs
  • Faculty Development Coordinators
  • Teaching and Learning Center Directors
  • Adjunct Instructors

Product Code: PM25AB

Campus Access License

With the purchase of the optional Campus Access License, registrants are granted a license to download the program contents to a password-protected network, server, or website for additional staff use. You will receive information on downloading the contents of the program within 3-5 business days after payment has been received by Magna.

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*On-demand access begins on date of purchase.

If you are not completely satisfied with your purchase, you may cancel the order within 30 days of purchase and receive a full refund.

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