UNL has run the Institute for Online Teaching (IOT) to prepare and train instructors to teach online since 2002. IOT is a great opportunity for anyone new to online teaching or for those looking to brush up on their online teaching skills. Faculty, graduate students, and staff with teaching responsibilities are welcome and encouraged to join!
Known in recent years as TOLC (Teaching Online Learning Community), the 2026 program is returning to the original IOT branding and will move from summer to fall. Registration details will be announced soon! Please check this page for updates, or email Krista (kcroghan2@unl.edu) with questions or to be added to the program email list.
IOT Fall 2026
IOT is a cohort-based experience taking place in Canvas and Zoom where you can learn about online teaching and learning with your peers and instructional designers from the Center for Transformative Teaching. The experience models a Backward Design approach to online course development, from designing learning outcomes to creating assessments, assignments, learning activities, and syllabus materials.
Asynchronous lessons and materials will be available in Canvas. Synchronous Zoom meetings will be hosted throughout the program for cohort members. The final synchronous experience is set to coincide with the CTT's 2026 Symposium where we will celebrate this year's cohort.
A link to the 2026 Institute of Online Teaching will be posted here closer to the launch date!
IOT Schedule & Topics
| Week of: | Module | Content | Modality | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 24 | Module 0 | Orientation | Canvas | Course shell opens; get acquainted with Canvas |
| Aug 31 | Module 1 | Syllabus and Inclusive Design | Canvas Zoom: CTT – Introduction to IOT – September 1 @ 12pm | Coursework begins: an introduction to inclusive design principles |
| Sept 7 | Module 2 | Learning Outcomes | Canvas | Measurable outcomes and aligning your course |
| Sept 14 | Module 3 | Assessment Design | Canvas | How do you design assessments to measure learning? |
| Sept 21 | Module 4 | Learning Activities | Canvas Zoom: CAST – Engaging Online Learners – September 24 @ 10am | Online engagement and activities |
| Sept 28 | Module 5 | Course Structure | Canvas | Intentional course layout |
| Oct 5 | Module 6 | Content Design | Canvas Zoom: ITS – Tech for Online Teaching – Date TBD | Creating content for online spaces |
| Oct 12 | Module 7 | Course Delivery | Canvas | Building instructor presence and student interactions |
| Oct 19 | Module 8 | Feedback | Canvas | Intentional and timely feedback for online learners |
| Oct 26 | Module 9 | AI considerations | Canvas Zoom: CTT – AI & End-of-Course Considerations – Date TBD | Embracing or avoiding AI in the online classroom; coursework ends |
| Nov 2 | Module 10 | Wrap up | Canvas CTT Symposium – Friday, November 6 – Details TBD | Celebrate each other at the Symposium! |
Learning Objectives
IOT will help participants to better:
- Apply best practices for designing courses in an online modality, including Backward Design, Inclusive Design, and UDL frameworks.
- Develop a structured course shell, including a syllabus and course map aligned with learning objectives.
- Facilitate the delivery of online courses including student engagement and building an inclusive online learning community through effective instructional and feedback strategies.
- Identify and address common challenges (including course policy considerations, AI usage, etc.) in online teaching and learning environments.
Certificate of Completion and Accessibility Notice
To earn a certificate of completion, participants must:
- Work through the weekly module content.
- Participate in Canvas discussions for each module.
- Complete the weekly module assignment and weekly module survey.
Synchronous Zoom sessions will run periodically throughout the program (see the schedule above). Participation in the synchronous sessions is highly encouraged but not required for the certificate of completion. Zoom sessions will be recorded and posted in Canvas.
We have made great efforts to make IOT and all its materials digitally accessible. Please reach out to Krista Croghan (kcroghan2@unl.edu) if you have needs or concerns. Additionally, please reach out if you discover something that is not as accessible as it should be or if you need an alternative format.
What You'll Need
Participants will need reliable internet access, a computer, Zoom, and Canvas access. If you have other needs, please contact Krista Croghan (kcroghan2@unl.edu).
Registration
Registration details coming soon!