Faculty Development
Kent State Online offers a variety of instructional development opportunities that support, reinforce, and extend the Kent State Online Framework for designing and developing high-quality online courses.
Please sign-up for our Online Teaching Listserv to be notified when new opportunities are available. Our listserv includes news, resources, tips, and best practices for online instructors.
We also invite you to register for relevant training available through the TechHelp Technology Workshops site. This site includes live virtual sessions offered by our colleagues in Information Technology around technologies such as Canvas, Kaltura, and Microsoft Teams.
Self-Paced Workshops
Our self-paced workshops take place in the Canvas learning management system and allow you to participate at a time that is convenient for your schedule.
To access these workshops:
- Choose the Enroll Now! option that accompanies the workshop description below.
- Enter your Flashline credentials (if prompted) and select the option to Enroll in Course.
- Select Go to the Course to begin participating or return at a later time by accessing the course from your Canvas Dashboard.
Before you begin, it is important to note some differences between our self-paced workshops and a standard, high-quality online course. Standard online courses use technologies to facilitate regular and substantive interactions between students and their instructors; also, the academic unit (curriculum committee and local administrator) approved the course to be developed and offered in an online delivery. However, in our self-paced workshops, interaction is optional, allowing you to proceed at a pace that works for you, choosing to participate in optional discussions or contact your facilitator as needed. This design was intentional so that you can fit this workshop into your busy schedule, while still benefiting from the information and activities that are presented.
ONLINE TEACHING ORIENTATION AND REFRESHER (OTOR)
The Online Teaching Orientation & Refresher (OTOR) is perfect for both beginning and experienced online faculty, Graduate Teaching Assistants, and staff members who want to learn more about online teaching and learning. In this workshop, we will explore topics such as creating and maintaining teaching presence, student accessibility considerations, classroom management techniques, collaborative group learning, online assessment tools, and more. Participant feedback suggests each module takes approximately 2-5 hours to complete (likely a minimum of 14-hour total time commitment) and, because the course is self-paced, participants have freedom and flexibility in choosing how and when to complete the activities. This session offers two options for earning a digital badge through Canvas Credentials.
CANVAS IN A FLASH
Canvas in a Flash introduces essential training on the Canvas Learning Management System (LMS) and spotlights pedagogical considerations for designing and delivering instruction. This course is intended for faculty, teaching assistants, and anyone designing and delivering instruction online, remote, or on-ground. Topics covered include Canvas tools and settings, organizing your course, adding instructional materials, designing assessments, establishing teaching presence, providing feedback, and promoting learner engagement in your online or remote class. This workshop includes an option to earn a Bronze Teaching Development Award from the Center for Teaching and Learning.
Custom Workshops
Kent State Online offers a variety of workshops and informational sessions for faculty designing, developing, and delivering courses online. These sessions can be requested as needed for a college or department and can be customized to meet faculty needs. To request a custom session, please submit a request and a member of the Online Learning Team will reach out to you!