In the Asynchronous Online Teaching Institute (AOTI), you will learn how to teach effectively online and provide students with a rich, interactive, and engaging online learning experience. It is designed for both new and experienced online instructors.
Prerequisites: No prior online teaching is required for this program. It is recommended that you know how to use the basic functions of an LMS (Canvas) prior to participating in the AOTI.
Length: 4 weeks Expected hours of time commitment (total expected time is 10 hours):
- For a 4 week course: around 2.5 hours/week
Format: This is a non-credit program offered fully online asynchronously. There are no live meetings included.
Participants: Anyone interested in designing and teaching an online course that helps students succeed.
Levels: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced.
Additional Information: Participants will have access to an online course in Canvas that integrates best practices for online course design. Participants will receive a Letter of Completion after they successfully complete the course.
Upon successful completion of the AOTI, participants will be able to:
- Reflect on the role of the instructor in establishing an online learning community.
- Identify methods of engaging and motivating learners in an online course.
- Explore key elements of online course design.
- Align goals with assessments and learning activities.
- Apply evidence-based practices for effective teaching and learning in an online learning environment.
Course Structure and Goals
Start Here (Time estimated: 30 minutes)
- Summarize the program structure, expectations, and requirements.
- Network with colleagues.
Module 1: Creating an Online Community (Time estimated: 1 hour)
By the end of this module, you will be able to
- Appreciate the value of creating community in your online course
- Identify several practices that can help you build community
- Incorporate multiple ways of establishing a community in your online course
Module 2: Student Motivation and Engagement (Time estimated: 1 hour)
By the end of this module, you will be able to
- Consider the particular challenges of engaging students in an online learning environment.
- Apply the research on student motivation to online learning.
- Identify concrete strategies for engaging our students.
Module 3: Online Course Design (Time estimated: 1 hour and 30 minutes)
By the end of this module, you will be able to
- Develop meaningful course goals.
- Align your goal with appropriate assessments and learning activities.
- Design a course that fosters significant learning by applying evidence-based principles for effective course design.
Module 4: Online Learning Assessments (Time estimated: 2 hours)
By the end of this module, you will be able to
- Identify different forms of assessment that you can use in your online course
- Make informed decisions regarding exam security options
- Design assessments that encourage academic integrity
- Practice designing an assessment strategy that aligns with a course learning goal
- Explore ways to provide feedback to your students
Module 5: Online Learning Activities (Time estimated: 1 hour and 30 minutes)
By the end of this module, you will be able to
- Plan your online materials and explore ways to deliver content.
- Identify and explore various online technologies and strategies that promote online presence and enhance student interactions.
- Align content and activities with your learning goals and assessments.
Module 6: Considerations to Promote Student Success (Time estimated: 1 hour and 30 minutes)
By the end of this module, you will be able to
- Anticipate issues and challenges related to online teaching and learning.
- Prepare your online course to follow accessibility guidelines for students with accommodations.
- Provide clear guidance for completing tasks in your online course that will help students stay on track and avoid procrastination.
Module 7: Reflection/Wrap up (Time estimated: 1 hour)
By the end of this module, you will be able to
- Identify the elements of the effective course design.
- Identify some strategies for managing online courses.
- Reflect on the AOTI concepts.
- Commit to some strategies or takeaways that you will apply to your online courses.