UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — A professional development course for Penn State faculty has been redesigned with a focus on preparing instructors for teaching online in the post-pandemic landscape.
“Essentials of Online Teaching” (OL 2000) explores theories and techniques for those teaching online. The course is offered through Penn State World Campus Online Faculty Development.
The course was redesigned with particular attention to resources for Penn State faculty members and instructors who are teaching a predesigned course online.
The instructor-led course is four weeks long and participants can expect to spend three to five hours each week engaging with curriculum. The course begins Oct. 7.
A separate version of the course for graduate student teachers, OL 2050, begins on Sept. 5.
Registration is open now on the Penn State World Campus Online Faculty Development website.
The course’s instructors have significant experience teaching online and will lead discussions on engagement strategies, instructor presence, effective feedback, class climate, and developing a reflective teaching practice. The course will also highlight how instructors can foster a climate of belonging and where they can access crucial Penn State resources for instructors and students.
Matt Dingo, assistant director for Online Faculty Development at Penn State World Campus, said the revision of “Essentials of Online Teaching” is meant to meet the changing needs of Penn State’s diverse online student population. It is designed for both instructors who are teaching online for the first time and faculty members who want to develop teaching behaviors based on the latest research in online teaching competencies.
“With a growing number of traditional and residential students joining Penn State’s online courses, our online student population is becoming even more diverse,” Dingo said. “At the same time, we have new research in online teaching competencies that can help instructors improve their online teaching skills. Excellent teaching online is just as crucial as excellent course design. This course revision will help our instructors create a course climate that is welcoming of all students and contribute to student success at Penn State.”
“Essentials of Online Teaching” is part of the Foundations of Online Teaching Certificate. Qualifying faculty members who complete this certificate can earn a Provost’s Endorsement. Penn State World Campus Online Faculty Development offers a variety of self-guided and instructor-led courses focusing on online learning, student success, advising, and more.
Visit the Online Faculty Development website for more information about the "Essentials of Online Teaching" course, other offerings, and certificates. Courses are free and open to all Penn State instructors and staff.