Through his Penn State World Campus course, Design Thinking and Creativity, Peter Aeschbacher helps students build creative thinking through hands-on projects and personalized feedback that gives them opportunities to revise and improve.
Aeschbacher makes thoughtful connections with his students through engagement and interactive teaching. His approach shows that even through online learning, interaction and creativity can thrive.
Learn more about Aeschbacher and his passion for teaching online.
What can students expect to get out of your course?
In the course I teach, AA 121: Design Thinking and Creativity through Penn State’s College of Arts and Architecture, students can expect to complete hands-on projects that encourage them to think differently and approach problems from new perspectives.
What is your approach to teaching creatively in an online learning environment?
I firmly believe that everyone is creative, even if they don't see themselves that way. Many students have had experiences that made them feel like they weren’t “good” at creative work, so part of my role is helping them build that confidence.
In an online setting, that means designing projects that are both structured and open-ended. Students are given clear guidance on what makes a strong solution, but they also have the freedom to explore, experiment, and take risks. Over time, they begin to recognize their own creative abilities and develop new ways of thinking.
How do you support student success in your online course?
Flexibility and support are central to how the course is structured. Students can submit their work by a due date to guarantee received feedback, and then they have additional time to revise or refine their projects based on that input.
I also provide examples of successful work from previous students to help illustrate expectations and inspire new ideas. Combined with consistent feedback, this approach gives students multiple pathways to succeed and allows them to engage with the material at their own pace.
How do you keep students engaged and build connections in a large online class?
Building connection starts with making the course feel personal. My lecture videos feature me actively teaching — drawing, explaining, and interacting — rather than relying on static slides. Students see a real person behind the course, which helps create a stronger sense of connection.
Engagement also comes from the nature of work. The projects are designed to be enjoyable and fast-paced, encouraging students to stay involved. In addition, personal feedback from both myself and teaching assistants helps build trust and keeps students motivated throughout the course.
What impact do you hope your course has on students?
I want students to leave this course with a new perspective — not just on design, but on their own abilities. When students realize they are capable of creative thinking and problem-solving, it can change how they approach challenges in many areas of their lives.
Some students go on to develop their ideas further in real-world settings, while others use their work to stand out in graduate school or career opportunities. But most importantly, I hope they leave with renewed confidence in their creativity.
Learn more about the online degrees and certificates offered through Penn State World Campus.
