Online Teaching Essentials: Foundations

Participants will earn the Online Teaching Fundamentals badge by successfully completing one course in each of the following competencies: Instructional Technology for Student Engagement | Course: Introduction to Canvas Basics (~5-7hrs) In this course, participants will learn the foundational skills required to effectively utilize Canvas for online teaching. Topics covered include navigating Canvas, creating course content, managing assignments, and using Gradebook and Speedgrader, and managing course settings, rosters, and groups. Inclusive Teaching in Online Environments | Course: Creating Accessible Course Content (~5-7hrs) This course focuses on strategies for creating accessible course content in order to ensure an inclusive online learning environment. Participants will learn about best practices for designing content that is usable by all students, including those with disabilities. The course covers techniques for creating accessible documents, videos, and images, as well as how to use the Ally accessibility checker to evaluate your course accessibility and set goals for improvement. Designing & Delivering Learner-Centered Online Courses | Course: Fundamentals of Designing & Teaching Online Courses (~5-7hrs) In this course, participants will explore the principles of learner-centered design for online courses. The course will delve into the unique needs of online learners as well as key principles of online learning, including the concept of Backward Design and strategies for managing cognitive load. Participants will also learn how to align course content with meaningful learning objectives and develop a course map to guide design and instruction. Course Structure All courses in the TLT Online Teaching Essentials series are offered through Canvas in an asynchronous and self-paced format. Each course includes approximately 5-7 hours of learning, and participants may take as much time as needed to work through the content. This structure allows participants to engage with the course material at times that are most convenient for them, enabling a flexible and personalized learning experience. Each course includes: - Readings and videos - Practice activities - 1-2 assignment submissions - Individualized feedback on assignment submissions will be provided by TLT’s instructional design experts, and will include detailed guidance to enhance participants' teaching practice. Enrollment and Completion Enrollment in the TLT Online Teaching Essentials series is open to all Rutgers faculty, lecturers, staff, and students interested in enhancing their online teaching skills. Participants can self-enroll by clicking the Join link for each course. There are no prerequisites for enrollment, making this series accessible to educators at all levels of experience. A digital badge will be issued via Accredible after successful completion of the final assignments in each of the three core courses. Digital badges can be shared with your personal and professional networks via LinkedIn or other social media.