In the Online Teaching Institute (OTI), 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 experience 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 OTI.
Total hours and length: A total of 15 hours over 3 weeks
Expected hours of time commitment a week: about 5 hours a week
Format: This is a non-credit program offered fully online asynchronously.
Participants: Anyone interested in designing and teaching an online course that helps students succeed.
Levels: Beginner and Intermediate. Advanced is welcomed.
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 OTI, participants will be able to:
- Identify strategies to establish presence and build community online.
- Explore key elements of integrated course design.
- Design online assessments that help improve student learning.
- Explore engaging online learning activities.
- Identify methods of structuring an online course that motivates learners and help them succeed.
- Prepare your online course with accessibility in mind.
- 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: Setting the Stage for Your Course (Time estimated: 2 hours)
By the end of this module, you will be able to
- Identify the three fundamental interactions of a course.
- Identify concrete strategies for establishing presence and community in an online course.
- Incorporate multiple ways of creating a sense of community in your online course.
Module 2: Online Course Design (Time estimated: 2 to 3 hours)
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 3: Online Learning Assessments (Time estimated: 2 to 3 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
- Explore ways to provide feedback to your students
- Practice designing an assessment strategy that aligns with a course learning goal
Module 4: Online Learning Activities (Time estimated: 2 to 3 hours)
By the end of this module, you will be able to
- Identify ways to deliver content online.
- Explore various online technologies and strategies that promote active learning and enhance different types of interactions.
Module 5: Structuring Your Course for Student Motivation (Time estimated: 2 hours)
By the end of this module, you will be able to
- Describe the principles of effective course structure.
- Create well-rounded and consistent modules in your Canvas course.
- Apply best practices for course structure that will help to motivate students and contribute to their success in the course.
Module 6: Promoting Student Success (Time estimated: 2 hours)
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: 30 minutes)
By the end of this module, you will be able to
- Reflect on the OTI concepts.
- Commit to some strategies or takeaways that you will apply to your online courses.