Online Instruction

TOP- Teaching Online Program

Instructs educators in the method and practice for delivery of online course content. Includes instructional technology and instructional design theory and practice, with skills and strategies that educators will use to engage students and create a collaborative online environment. TOP will help towards gaining certification to teach in online and hybrid courses for many colleges in the VCCS. Lecture 3 hours per week and will be delivered completely online. Graduate credit can be earned as well through Colorado State University.

The purpose of the course is to prepare college faculty to teach online courses using new teaching strategies and new tools grounded in current research and best practices in online teaching and learning. College faculty will develop an enhanced understanding of essential online teaching and learning concepts and practices while experiencing an online course from the perspective of the learner. TOP will be a refresher on basic pedagogical principles, gain critical technological skills, and cover how to perform required administrative tasks.

Course Prerequisites:

• Must have taught for at least one semester at the higher education level or dual enrollment.

• Proficient working knowledge of the current VCCS online course delivery system (Canvas).

• Ability to use the Internet in an effective and efficient manner, including installation and management of browser plug-ins.

• Basic knowledge about the operation of a computer, file management, and software installation.

The course will cover the following topics:

• Course Banners

• VoiceThread

• Your VCCS Gmail account and Google tools

• Google Presentations

• Rubrics

• Learning to establish social presence

• Online learning communities

• Time management technique