Online Teaching Certification Program

Teaching online can offer additional challenges for faculty and students alike because of the mode of delivery.  Faculty members may have teaching principles in place, but transitioning to teaching online is more than moving notes online. The Online Teaching Certification Program introduces faculty to basics of using the Course Management System, as well as how to implement best practices for creating an engaging and effective online class.

Online classes have the same learning outcomes as traditional classes and, therefore, should offer the same opportunities for learning. Online classes are not independent study or self-paced, but rather, theses classes are conducted with timelines and schedules similar to traditionally delivered classes.   The ultimate goal is for student learning to take place, and the Center for Teaching and Distance Learning is committed to making sure faculty have the knowledge and tools available to make that happen!

Registration for the Online Teaching Certification Program training is available through My Workshops.  Login to http://prodev.lonestar.edu. For assistance with logging into My Workshops, or password assistance, contact eCollege Helpdesk Staff at 832-813-6700.

Level I is designed to prepare faculty for development of effective online instruction. The training is for the instructor who is new to online teaching and is preparing to teach a hybrid or online course.

1. Certification is to be completed before beginning the first semester of teaching an online or hybrid course, and within a calendar year.
2. Level I certification is project-based where the instructor begins designing and developing an online course satisfying Level I Minimum Requirements. 
3. Training consists of 24 hours of training - F2F, online, or hybrid. 
4. Upon completing seat time and satisfying Level I Minimum Requirements in a Vista course, participant then requests a course review against the minimum requirements. 
5. Level I certified instructors continue development of an online course, with the support of eCollege staff.
   

Level II offers experienced online faculty additional knowledge & skills to improve online instruction. This professional development opportunity for faculty is in two phases.

Pre-requisites: Level I certification & having taught an online or hybrid course for at least one semester.

1. Certification is to be completed within a calendar year.
2. The certification is project-based where the instructor reflects on the learning experience and process of improving an online course including products, examples, or illustrated changes within an eCollege Vista Level II training course.
3. Training consists of 24 hours of professional development (F2F, online, or hybrid), with 2 consecutive days for phase 1. The third day (phase 2) is scheduled 4 - 6 weeks after the first days.
4. After completing day 3, additional time may be required for online electives and completion of the project.
5. Level II certified instructors continue improving online instruction and collecting student course evaluation feedback. 

Level III offers support and guidance for continued course improvement.

Prerequisites: Level II certification & 2 semesters of student course evaluation data for the course being revised.

1. Certification is to be completed within a calendar year.
2. Participants develop and implement a course revision plan based on the adopted rubric.
3. Training consists of 8 hours of face-to-face professional development.
4. Upon completing seat time, additional time is required for implementing revision plan in an eCollege Vista course.
5. Recognition is not yet determined.

CTDL
Last Revised 5/17/2007