This three-week web-based orientation to teaching in the virtual classrooms of higher education is designed for first-time online instructors. Participants complete activities in a model online environment using web-based hosting platforms in an asynchronous format (although a few synchronous components are included as well). Topics of discussion and activities include best practices of online instruction, classroom management, instructional strategies, and the use of emerging technologies. Hi-speed Internet access is recommended to participate.

Materials:  Readings and other materials will be posted/provided for use

Required Resource (to be provided by participant):  You will be making an audio recording so you may need to purchase a microphone for your Mac (one can be purchased at most retail stores for under $20)--however, your computer's built-in microphone should be sufficient for the activities in this course and you may not need to purchase a mic

Learning Objectives:

• Participants will be able to fully and effectively utilize the features of an LMS to deliver instruction in an online format. 

• Participants will be able to design pedagogically sound instructional activities to be delivered in a virtual environment. 

• Participants will be able to successfully integrate emerging technology tools into their instruction in a pedagogically sound manner. These tools include wikis, voice threads, podcasts, & emergent technologies. 

• Participants will be able to adapt instruction to meet the needs of all learners in the virtual classroom utilizing available technology tools and instructional strategies. 

Learning Activities:

• Develop a course syllabus that addresses the needs of an online course

• Produce an audio and/or video Introduction to the Instructor clip

• Design course management strategies to be used in an online course

• Develop examples of effective instructional strategies for the online format

• Design at least two instructional activities that integrate emerging technology tools to be used in a course

• Other activities which explore teaching and learning in an online environment will be developed as time permits

VFA Requirement:  Adjunct and full-time faculty must successfully complete the activities of the Virtual Faculty Academy prior to teaching an online course for Seton Hill University. All learning activities must be completed within the VFA session’s timeframe. If a participant does not satisfactorily complete the VFA, the participant must repeat it at a future date prior to teaching an online course. Please do not register for the session if you cannot fully participate in all activities within the scheduled timeframe; the success of the session is based on full participation by each VFA member.

Registration:  Seton Hill’s VFA Workshop will be hosted within Canvas on the following dates:

• January 5 - 25, 2025 - Registration deadline is Friday, December 20, 2024

• June 8 - 28, 2025 - Registration deadline is Friday, May 30, 2025

Participation is limited to 15 individuals. Participants should register by completing the Registration Form - Virtual Faculty Academy on this page.