Best Practices for Remote Teaching by Instructional Designers

Remote teaching has become a cornerstone of modern education and training, and Instructional Designers are essential to making it effective, engaging, and accessible. Whether working in K?12, higher education, or corporate environments, Instructional Designers must adapt content and delivery strategies to suit digital platforms and dispersed audiences. By applying best practices rooted in pedagogy, technology, and user experience, they ensure learning remains impactful no matter where it takes place. Here’s how Instructional Designers can excel in supporting remote teaching and learning.

1. Design with Digital Delivery in Mind

Remote learning environments require intentional content structure and visual design.

• Break content into short, focused modules to prevent cognitive overload.
• Use consistent layouts, headings, and icons to guide learner navigation.
• Incorporate multimedia (e.g., videos, infographics) to cater to various learning styles.

2. Prioritize Accessibility and Inclusivity

Remote learners may face diverse challenges—design must ensure equitable access for all.

• Ensure all materials meet WCAG 2.1 accessibility standards (e.g., alt text, transcripts, keyboard navigation).
• Provide multiple means of representation, engagement, and expression using UDL principles.
• Design with mobile users and low-bandwidth environments in mind.

3. Support Active Learning Online

Remote environments can still be interactive and learner-centered with the right strategies.

• Incorporate discussion forums, breakout rooms, and collaborative tools like Jamboard or Padlet.
• Embed formative checks like quizzes, polls, and reflections throughout the content.
• Design problem-solving tasks, case studies, and simulations for real-world application.

4. Leverage Technology Thoughtfully

Digital tools should enhance—not distract from—the learning experience.

• Choose tools that are intuitive, scalable, and compatible with your LMS.
• Integrate video conferencing platforms (Zoom, Microsoft Teams) with structured agendas and interactive elements.
• Utilize tools like H5P, Articulate Rise, and Google Workspace to promote engagement.

5. Scaffold Instructor and Learner Support

Successful remote teaching requires that everyone involved feels confident and supported.

• Provide training resources and implementation guides for instructors.
• Create help documents, tutorial videos, and FAQ pages for learners.
• Build just-in-time support mechanisms like chat widgets, office hours, or tech support links.

6. Monitor Engagement and Outcomes

Remote settings demand proactive tracking and iterative improvement.

• Use LMS analytics to identify participation rates, completion metrics, and areas of struggle.
• Conduct surveys and gather feedback from both instructors and learners.
• Refine content based on data insights to improve clarity, accessibility, and effectiveness.

7. Promote Community and Connection

Social presence is vital in remote settings to reduce isolation and increase engagement.

• Design icebreakers, group projects, or peer review activities that foster interaction.
• Encourage instructors to establish a strong virtual presence via video, discussion, and feedback.
• Create a consistent communication rhythm with announcements, check-ins, and reminders.

8. Embrace a Continuous Improvement Mindset

Remote instruction evolves rapidly—Instructional Designers must stay agile and reflective.

• Stay current on emerging tools, digital pedagogy, and learner expectations.
• Conduct regular content audits and usability testing.
• Share lessons learned with instructional teams to foster organizational learning.

Conclusion

Instructional Designers are instrumental in shaping high-quality remote teaching experiences. By focusing on clarity, accessibility, interaction, and continuous feedback, they help learners stay connected, engaged, and successful—no matter where learning takes place. With thoughtful design and ongoing collaboration, remote teaching can be as dynamic and effective as any face-to-face environment.