Teaching Pathways
Jump to Bottom ↓Use this page when you know what you want students to do but are not sure which teaching strategy or technology best supports that goal.
Start with the Goal, Then Choose the Tool
Teaching Pathways connects common instructional goals with practical teaching strategies and recommended technologies. Instead of starting with a tool name, begin with the learning experience you want to create.
Guiding question: What do I want students to do, practice, create, discuss, reflect on, or demonstrate?
A Simple Decision Guide
Use this quick process before choosing a technology.
1. Define the Learning Goal
Clarify what students should understand, practice, produce, discuss, or demonstrate.
2. Choose the Learning Activity
Decide what students will actually do to reach that goal.
3. Select the Simplest Tool
Choose the technology that supports the activity without adding unnecessary complexity.
Choose a Pathway
Start with the category that best matches your instructional goal.
Build & Organize
Use this pathway when you want to structure course content clearly and help students find what they need.
- Organize modules and course materials.
- Share files and resources clearly.
- Create a predictable course navigation experience.
Present & Explain
Use this pathway when you want to deliver content, explain concepts, or create instructional materials.
- Record lectures or short instructional videos.
- Create slides, visuals, or multimedia explanations.
- Support students before, during, or after class.
Engage & Discuss
Use this pathway when you want students to participate, respond, share ideas, or interact with course concepts.
- Create meaningful discussions.
- Use polling or checks for understanding.
- Invite student contributions and peer interaction.
Practice & Assess
Use this pathway when you want students to practice skills, check understanding, receive feedback, or demonstrate learning.
- Create low-stakes knowledge checks.
- Design quizzes or assessments.
- Support feedback, revision, and improvement.
Collaborate & Connect
Use this pathway when you want students to work together, communicate, build community, or complete shared tasks.
- Create group activities and shared workspaces.
- Support communication and peer learning.
- Help students coordinate projects or discussions.
Explore AI Thoughtfully
Use this pathway when you want to use generative AI for course design, teaching preparation, reflection, or instructional support.
- Draft ideas, examples, prompts, and activities.
- Compare AI tools and use cases.
- Align AI use with responsible and reflective teaching.