An important prerequisite for learning is that everyone in the room feels involved and active. The developments of recent years towards a completely or partially digital environment for students and teachers have created both new obstacles and new opportunities in this area. We can no longer rely on a sense of cohesion emerging automatically – at the same time we now have access to a range of digital tools that can make communication easier if we use them correctly. 
 
While surveys conducted at Lund University during the pandemic showed that students wanted more variety in their teaching, they also indicated that they did not want to have to deal with too many different tools. Using lots of tools is not an end in itself – it is about using the right tool in an engaging and varied way. 

On these pages you will find articles about, for example, how to plan course structure and what you can do to activate students in online lectures, whether they are delivered live or as pre-recorded videos. But first up, for those of you in a hurry, here are a few tips about how to create an interactive atmosphere right from the start of your course.

• Write a welcome letter, in which you explain your structure and your expectations. Explain how you expect people to prepare ahead of the course and how you plan to introduce specific teaching elements.
• Ask if there is anything it would be useful for you to know about your students and encourage them to send an email if there is. Even if you might not always be able to consider everyone’s unique circumstances, you demonstrate that you care and that you will listen to them, which makes it easier for them to get involved and feel secure in your classroom. 
• Set aside time to allow students to get to know each other and make clear that that is the point of the exercise. This time does not need to be led by you, but it is a good idea to schedule it.
• Give your students tips about digital study techniques with the help of the information on campusonline.lu.se.