"Online Adjunct Teaching" Training Project
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In 2008, Maryland Online (MOL) funded an exploratory research project on the feasibility of offering an online teaching certificate for adjunct faculty. The research included 1) a survey of current professional development opportunities in Maryland higher education institutions, 2) requirements for instructors teaching online in Maryland, 3) identification of competencies needed by online instructors, and 4) the potential need for, and interest in, a "State-Wide Online Teaching Certificate for Adjunct Instructors in Higher Education" in Maryland. (Year one). The research found there was interest in a state-wide adjunct online teaching certificate. Using the results of the research conducted in year one, a professional development course was created that addresses the competencies needed by online adjunct faculty. The free pilot course has been completed and is no longer available. The course will be offered this year for a fee of $300 for Maryland residents (or instructors affiliated with a Maryland institution) or $600 for non-Maryland residents. For more information about the course please submit your name to our mailing list. Updates for the academic year 2010-2011 will be coming soon. |
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Frequently Asked Questions:
Why is MOL sponsoring the project?
Maryland Online consists of 20 colleges and universities in the state
of Maryland. These colleges and universities recognize the importance
of access to experienced adjunct instructors who also have expertise in
the online teaching environment. Maryland Online funded the first offering
of the course as a pilot. Once the pilot has been completed, the course
may be offered for a fee.
Are there any prerequisites for the course?
Yes. Participants must:
1. have experience teaching in the traditional (face-to-face) classroom at the higher education level
2. have basic technical knowledge needed in order to navigate the online learning environment including:
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a. Basic navigational Learning Management System (LMS) skills (Blackboard,
WebCT, or similar) |
Participants must also have a sincere interest in learning how to teach online. If you aren't sure whether you are a good candidate for teaching online, please view Are You a Good Candidate for Teaching Online?
How is the course conducted?
The pilot course is 9 weeks long and is taught fully online. This gives
participants an opportunity to experience an online course as a student.
The course is highly structured and includes requirements to complete
weekly activities and assignments, as well as reading and collaboration
using the course discussion board. Participants must log into the course
at least 3 days per week. Estimated weekly time commitment is 4-5 hours.
Is college credit awarded for the course?
No. College credit is not awarded for the course. The course is intended
to be a structured professional development activity for higher education
teaching professionals. Participants who successfully complete the course
will, however, receive a "certificate of completion" from Maryland
Online. Completion of this course in no way guarantees participants
they will receive an offer of employment by any institution, or be exempt
from specific training requirements of individual institutions.
How do I enroll in the course?
The free pilot course has been completed and is no longer available. The
course will be offered this year for a fee of $300 for Maryland residents
(or instructors affiliated with a Maryland institution) or $600 for non-Maryland
residents. If you would like to be notified of the status of the project,
or possible future course offerings, please join our mailing list.
What is covered in the course?
The course is intended to introduce participants to principles and
practices for teaching online college courses. (The course is not intended
to teach participants how to develop an online course.) For a full course
description and course objectives see below. To see the course syllabus,
click
here.
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Course Description The course will explore the online teaching and learning environment by introducing online learning principles and instructor competencies. Participants will have the opportunity to experience online learning from the students' perspective, as they explore and master specific competencies needed in order to facilitate their own online course. Topics covered include orienting students to the online learning environment, basic instructional design principles as applied to the facilitation of online courses, self assessment of instructor technical and Learning Management System skills, pedagogical approaches to facilitate online learning, social processes and presence, facilitating online discussions, managing assessment in the online environment, legal issues (ADA, FERPA and copyright), and identifying relevant institutional policies, procedures, and support services. Participants will also develop a plan for their continued professional development. Note: This course is intended to introduce instructors how to teach (facilitate) an online course that has already been developed. This course does not train faculty how to develop an online course. Course Objectives Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to: |
Who is hosting the pilot course?
The pilot course is being hosted by Frederick Community College on their
Blackboard server. Many thanks to Frederick Community College for their
support!
The course was designed using the Quality Matters standards of certification.
For additional details about the course and how it is conducted, please
see the syllabus.
Please direct any questions you may have to:
Project Director
Bobbi Dubins
bdubins@allegany.edu
Project Chair
Julie Shattuck
jshattuck@frederick.edu