This two —to three-hour course provides chemistry educators with practical strategies for enhancing student engagement and motivation in remote settings. Remote learning and teaching often face challenges such as diminished motivation, difficulty maintaining concentration, and a lack of meaningful relationships, key factors impacting teaching effectiveness and student outcomes.

Participants will explore key motivation theories, address common challenges like digital distractions, disengagement, and isolation, and develop tailored solutions for remote chemistry lessons. These skills are particularly valuable during educator or student absences or crises disrupting traditional classrooms and when classes are conducted entirely online or in hybrid formats—simultaneously combining in-person and remote participation.

The course emphasises building inclusive online communities by accommodating diverse learning styles, fostering peer interaction, and creating dynamic virtual classrooms through interactive exercises and chemistry-specific examples. Participants will gain practical techniques to enhance student motivation, engagement, and learning outcomes in remote settings.

Upon course completion, learners will be able to:

• Define critical factors influencing student motivation in remote chemistry classes and reflect on how motivation theories can enhance engagement in remote settings.
• Identify and evaluate strategies for creating an inclusive online learning environment that addresses diverse student needs, fosters a sense of belonging, and ensures equitable participation.
• Explore approaches to promote peer interaction and collaboration in virtual chemistry classrooms, encouraging active student participation.
• Recognise barriers to sustaining student motivation and engagement in remote chemistry education and explore strategies to address these challenges.

• Interactive Content

  Engage with carefully designed activities to explore motivation strategies in real-life chemistry teaching scenarios. Reflect on case studies and examples to consider approaches for fostering engagement in virtual classrooms, even when working independently.

• Fostering Belonging

  Discover actionable methods for cultivating a sense of belonging in your teaching environment. Use reflection exercises and self-guided activities to consider how these strategies motivate and connect students in remote or isolated learning contexts.

• Guided Insights

  Discover various resources, including case studies and examples from experienced chemistry educators. These materials will help you explore common challenges in remote teaching and discover strategies to enhance student engagement.

• Self-Paced Learning

  You can progress through the course independently, guided by interactive modules and prompts. The flexible structure allows you to adapt and experiment with strategies that fit your teaching style and needs, whether exploring the material alone or within a group.

This course is intended for higher education lecturers and educators involved in remote or online teaching. No prior experience with specific digital tools is required. Educators at all technology comfort levels are welcome.

• What Web Browser Should I Use?

  The Open edX platform works best with current versions of Chrome, Edge, Firefox, or Safari.

• Do I Need Any Prior Experience with IT Tools?

  No prior experience is required. The course provides step-by-step guidance on all necessary tools.

• How Much Time Do I Need to Commit?

  The course takes approximately 3 hours to complete. You can revisit all materials for further study or review.

• Will I Receive a Certificate?

  This course does not provide a formal certificate upon completion. However, the practical knowledge and skills gained can be directly applied to your teaching practice.