Enhancing Online Education
Professional learning for online/hybrid instructors
New to this program? Learn about the choice of formats.
What participants say
“If you want to be a good online teacher, I don’t know that there’s anybody on campus doing it better … You get to see clear examples of effective strategies, and there’s so many resources that you build into the course that I still use.”
Matt Friedman, Lecturer,
Economics
“The micro-courses are an investment of time, but they will pay you back tremendously. The quality of my course is high, and I am much more efficient as an instructor and can really focus on the student experience.”
Lauren Papp, Associate Dean,
School of Human Ecology
“Adding some features and changing the course flow has really helped alleviate a lot of emails that I used to get, which allows me to dedicate more time to my students and engaging with them versus just answering basic questions.”
James Mark Windsor, Lecturer,
Management & Human Resources
Register for summer sessions
Discover, plan, and create effective, engaging, and accessible instructional materials
Self-paced course: Open now
In this self-paced, fully online course, you will learn how to create or curate effective, accessible instructional materials. You will have the flexibility to focus on creating written, visual, and/or audiovisual instructional materials. For each of those types of materials, you will explore research-based criteria and work independently on activities.
On average, expect to spend 14 hours to complete the course. The total time will depend on the modules and activities you choose, as well as whether you complete the optional final project to receive feedback from an instructional design expert.
Use design frameworks to create a learner-centered course
When designing an online course, it is important to plan a cohesive, organized, and student-centered learning experience. In this program, you will begin planning an inclusive environment using design frameworks to envision both what and how you want your students to learn. You will also start developing a module plan and course organization.
Webinar: May 19, 9 to 10:30 a.m.
Micro-course: May 20-June 2
Adopt practices that reduce workload and support learners
Teaching online requires unique methods of time and course management. In this program, you will explore a variety of ways to manage an online course, including: developing an effective orientation, communicating expectations, organizing group work, and planning time effectively for both you and your students. You will develop a Course Rhythm Plan and Student Success Worksheet tailored to your course.
Webinar: June 2, 9 to 10:30 a.m.
Micro-course: June 3-17
Adopt strategies to create relationships and promote a course learning community
Just as with in-person courses, creating community online with your students will expand their awareness, improve well-being and increase overall learning. With some planning and a consistent approach, you can foster a strong, productive online community. In this program, you will think more deeply about what “community” means, create materials to help your learners connect with you, and identify strategies to enhance interactions throughout your course.
Webinar: July 22, 9 to 10:30 a.m.
Micro-course: July 22-August 3
Promote a welcoming online environment that supports student success
Implementing inclusive teaching practices will help you create a learning space in which students will feel more welcomed, valued, and encouraged to succeed. In this course, you will explore strategies and develop a plan to foster an equitable and inclusive online learning environment; you will reflect on how your and your students’ social identities can be relevant when creating a sense of belonging; and you will identify strategies to address challenging situations.
Webinar: August 4, 9 to 10:30 a.m.
Micro-course: August 4-17
Formats
You’re welcome to attend one or both formats:
Live webinar
Provides a quick, interactive overview of each topic. You can then move forward independently to apply what you’ve learned or you can join the micro-course for more personalized feedback.
Time commitment: 1.5 hours
“These webinars were welcoming and inspiring and made me want to learn more.”
Micro-course
Offered fully online via Canvas, the non-credit micro-courses are a deeper dive where you will apply what you learn and work directly on your course. Courses are facilitated by an instructor who will communicate with you throughout the course. You will take part in both independent and collaborative activities.
BONUS: Complete five micro-courses and you’ll receive a certificate and letter of recognition shared with your dean and department chair. Courses may be completed in any order at any time they are offered.
Time commitment: About 8 to 10 hours, asynchronously, during the course period
“These micro-courses were eye-openers for all of us — really helped us learn how small changes in instruction make big differences.”