Introduction to
Online Learning Environments

This course is intended for current and future educators as well as anyone interested in online teaching and instruction such as future administrators and instructional designers. Topics in this course include: Course and Learning Management Systems, effective student contact, key characteristics of successful online learning spaces, online classroom management, relevant learning theories, current policies and laws including, but not limited to, accessibility requirements, types of online learning environments, and current communication technologies. 

Our course begins October 21, 2024, and ends December 14, 2024.

• This is an 8-week, accelerated online course. 

• You will need to log on to Canvas and begin working on the first day of class!

• No textbook is required for this course; all course materials are found in Canvas.

• All coursework is completed asynchronously in Canvas. You will need to know how to use a computer and capably navigate Canvas.

• A webcam and a microphone are highly recommended.

• This is not a self-paced course; you will participate in discussions and learn in a community with your classmates. 

Please take a moment to review the learning outcomes for our course.

Upon successful completion of the course, you will be able to:

1. Understand and apply State and Federal laws and policies as they relate to online learning.

2. Create a basic online course or course shell using a current LMS that has evidence of research-based effective student-student, student-instructor, and student-content contact.

3. Create online learning materials and modules that are accessible and equitable using research-based strategies to.

4. Evaluate and analyze relevant learning theory to plan effective online learning experiences .