Introduction

Hello, my name is Ruben Zamora and I have worked in distance education for more than 15 years. My current title of LMS Development Manager puts me in charge of all the instructional technologies at The University of Texas – Rio Grande Valley. The Department I work for is the Center for Online Learning & Teaching Technology. As you can see, my job focuses not only on technology but online learning. As a result of this I’m continuously searching for new ways to gain more insight and knowledge on what applications and technologies we can provide to our faculty and students to make their learning journey more enjoyable and worthwhile. For this self-directed learning opportunity, I am selecting the Microsoft Innovative Educator (MIE) Office 365 Teacher Academy as we are a Microsoft school and have access to some of these tools already. By obtaining this certificate will be another tool in my toolbox to offer faculty.

Certificate/Achievement Sought

The certificate or Achievement I sought for this self-directed learning project was the Office 365 Teacher Academy and Microsoft Educator Academy.

The Office 365 Teacher Academy consisted of 8 modules:

• Structure Teams through channels, tabs, files and apps

• Assign and assess learners with assignments and forms in Teams

• Converse, collaborate, and build community in Teams

• Get started with OneNote

• OneNote Class Notebook: A teacher's all-in-one notebook for students

• Flipped instruction with PowerPoint Recorder

• Create authentic assessments with Microsoft Forms

• Digital storytelling with Microsoft Sway

The Microsoft Educator Academy consisted of 6 Modules (Bonus Achievement)

• Teach forward: best strategies for hybrid, remote and blended learning

• Accessibility: Build the foundation for inclusive learning

• Empower every student with an inclusive classroom

• Structure Teams through channels, tabs, files and apps

• Flipped instruction PowerPoint Recorder

• Get started with oneNote

Credentials Earned (PDF's)

Credentials Earned (Images)

Video: Self-Directed Learning Opportunity Journey