Training for Online Faculty
A course for new-to-online instructors
A few details
The Project
American University, like all accredited institutions, expects all faculty teaching in an online or hybrid classroom for the first time to complete the requisite training. I created (and now manage and facilitate) courses that focus on teaching instructors pedagogy, syllabi, course design, and effective use of educational technology.
Some special
Specifications
The purpose of this class is to prepare instructors to teach in hybrid or fully online formats, as these are often very different venues for instruction compared to traditional face-to-face classes. It is also an opportunity to cover best teaching practices and a means to gain feedback on course content in a friendly and supportive environment. By the end of the course, instructors have a fully developed online/hybrid syllabus and two weeks of course content within a Blackboard test space.
How I solved it
My approach
I believe that adults learn best when participating in active (participation-driven) and authentic (real-world relevant) learning environments. Much of this course also involves peer-review and formative evaluation – strategies that encourage higher-level thinking skills. Coursework is guided by ADDIE, an instructional systems framework used to develop effective curriculum. Each week focuses on one aspect of the framework (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation).
Education
Research
Teaching & Assessing
Blackboard
Video Production
Anonymous Post-Class Feedback
“The certification course was outstanding. The material was broken out into digestible segments that were logically and methodically presented. Laura was friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable. Keep up the great work and thank you!”
“I thought that Laura March was unusually helpful, creative, and insightful on almost every aspect of the course.”
“Overall, I was a bit surprised to find that I really liked the course for the most part, and, rather than being just a requirement to get through, I enjoyed the content. The approachability and preparedness of the instructor was a real highlight for me
“I thought this was an excellent course. I have told anyone who will listen that they will all benefit in some way from taking this class.”
“I have enjoyed this class immensely. It really guided me to build a strong course where I challenge my students. I appreciate Laura’s availability, too. She responded to my questions quickly and effectively.”
“The certification course was extremely valuable. Even if I never teach an online class, I think I will be a better teacher as a result of this course.”
Introductory videos
Course organization screencast
Online learning animation (No audio)
5
Week course
60+
Instructors trained each year
3-5
Course facilitators per semester
70%
Required for course completion
