Since 2002, the university has run the Institute for Online Teaching to provide preparation and training, as well as a campus-wide faculty learning community, focused on online teaching. In 2020 we had over 600 participants, many of whom provided valuable feedback about how this program might move forward.
With this updated offering, we are focusing on aspects of teaching that are unique to the online context. If you are creating a new course or would like to revisit your course structure as you shift toward teaching online, we encourage participation in an optional Backward Design workshop offered in the week before the institute starts.
Overview
The four-week Institute for Online Teaching is designed to guide new and novice online instructors to explore the unique opportunities and challenges of the online learning environment. Even instructors with some online teaching experiences are likely to find it valuable. The Institute will run from May 23 - June 17, 2022 and be conducted online. Interested participants have until Monday, May 16 at 5:00 p.m. to register. If you have any questions, please contact Amy Ort at aort@unl.edu
Objectives
By the end of the Institute, participants will be able to:
- Design an online course that fulfills course objectives and is user-friendly for students.
- Establish an effective online instructional persona that is present throughout the course and fosters a sense of collaborative community among learners.
- Apply research-based principles of instruction to create learner-centered, interactive, online learning activities that promote student success.
- Create a syllabus, including its unique online components.
- Develop strategies for managing time, communication, and instructor/student roles in online courses.
Organization and Topics
This class is organized around four weekly learning modules. Each module features a brief lesson, including reading, discussion, and a small assignment, such as creating a portion of an online syllabus. Modules also include examples from the university's online courses and additional resources for exploration. Module topics include:
- Basic Building Blocks of Online Teaching & Learning
- Building Online Learning Communities
- Making Learning Visible
- Taking Care of Yourself Through It All
Expectations
During the four-week session, you will be expected to check in on the course site daily, complete assignments that will help you prepare your online course, and engage in discussion boards with peers. Your commitment is necessary for a productive and successful learning environment and to reap the benefits of the institute. In considering whether or not to pursue a certificate for the Institute for Online Teaching, please note the following expectations for completion:
- Review course materials for each module
- Engage in weekly asynchronous discussions
- Submit small weekly assignments
- Attend synchronous online class sessions via Zoom
Participants will need daily access to:
- An Internet connection
- A Web browser (Google Chrome or Firefox)
- An up-to-date version of Zoom
- Associated programs (ex: Microsoft Word, Adobe Acrobat Reader)
Schedule
| Class Segment | Synchronous Class Meetings* | Topic(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 May 23 - 29 |
Tuesday, May 24 | Basic Building Blocks of Online Teaching & Learning |
|
Week 2 |
Tuesday, May 31 | Building Online Learning Communities |
| Week 3 June 6 - 12 |
Tuesday, June 7 | Making Learning Visible |
| Week 4 June 13 - 17 |
Tuesday, June 14 | Taking Care of Yourself Through It All |