This course provides teachers with the foundation for understanding the movement towards virtual instruction. It introduces fundamental knowledge needed by teachers to succeed in a technology-dependent, instructional environment. You will explore the history of online learning and understand how a variety of delivery models are evolving in the K-12 environment, ranging from completely online to hybrid or blended classrooms. We will discuss how the programs work and who they serve, addressing some basics about equity issues, access and school funding, as well as ethical and legal issues that support and challenge the models. Upon completion of the course, you will understand what it takes to transition from teaching in the classroom to providing virtual instruction.
Upon completing this course, you will be able to:
1. Describe the history of online learning models
2. Identify current virtual instruction models and who offers them
3. Explain how virtual instruction models have evolved and why
4. Describe common features of synchronous and asynchronous technologies
5. Discuss basic ethical and legal issues faced by schools
This course is part of the Virtual Teacher Specialization
Foundations of Virtual Instruction
Offered By
Syllabus - What you will learn from this course
Week
1Week 1: History of Virtual Education
Welcome to the course! Begin by reading the Course Overview and familiarizing yourself with our course. This week we will explore the history of virtual education, as well as the different models of virtual education. Our guest speaker, Dr. O'Neal, will discuss the "Flipped Classroom" and how this pedagogy can enhance teaching and learning.
7 videos (Total 58 min), 4 readings, 1 quiz
7 videos
Week 1 Lesson 1: Introduction and Definitions5m
Week 1 Lesson 2: History of Online Learning4m
Week 1 Lesson 3: Current Models of Virtual Education10m
Week 1 Lesson 4: Evolving Models of Virtual Education7m
Week 1 Lesson 5: Virtual Programs and Organizations11m
Week 1 Interview: The Flipped Classroom13m
4 readings
About this Course10m
Pre-Course Survey10m
Week 1 Roadmap & Objectives10m
Week 1 Optional Resources10m
1 practice exercise
Week 1 Quiz20m
Week
2Week 2: Synchronous and Asynchronous Technologies
In week two, we will examine the features of synchronous and asynchronous technologies. Our guest speaker, Melissa Loble, will share how to select and leverage technology. She will also discuss how to best utilize social media to meet the needs of different learners.
5 videos (Total 56 min), 2 readings, 1 quiz
5 videos
Week 2 Lesson 2: Synchronous Instructional Platforms15m
Week 2 Lesson 3: Learning Management Systems10m
Week 2 Lesson 4: Other Online Learning Tools15m
Week 2 Interview: Social Media and Gamification9m
2 readings
Week 2 Roadmap and Objectives10m
Week 2 Optional Resources10m
1 practice exercise
Week 2 Quiz20m
Week
3Week 3: Transitioning from the Classroom to the Virtual Environment
This week we will examine the similarities and differences between teaching in the classroom and teaching online. Our guest speaker, Racquel Nedden, will discuss the benefits of online education for accommodating and meeting the needs of at-risk and special needs students. You will also have the opportunity to submit your assignment and evaluate three of your classmates' work.
5 videos (Total 33 min), 3 readings, 2 quizzes
5 videos
Week 3 Lesson 2: The changing field of curriculum development and the role of outside vendors5m
Week 3 Lesson 3: How different and evolving virtual delivery models affect instruction5m
Week 3 Lesson 4: The Role of a Virtual Teacher8m
Week 3 Interview: Accomodations for Special Needs Students in the Virtual Classroom5m
3 readings
Week 3 Roadmap and Objectives10m
Week 3 Optional Resources10m
About the Assignment10m
1 practice exercise
Week 3 Quiz14m
Week
4Week 4: Equity and Access, Funding, and the Law
In week four, we will discuss virtual school funding options, the responsibility of online programs to consider equity and access, and the legal issues that virtual schools face. Our guest speaker, Chris Long, will explain the concept of QFT (Question, Formulation Technique) and explain why teaching students to formulate their own questions can increase students engagement and empower students to be life long learners.
4 videos (Total 70 min), 2 readings, 1 quiz
4 videos
Week 4 Lesson 2: Equity and Access21m
Week 4 Lesson 3: The Law19m
Week 4 Interview: Using the Question Formulation Technique13m
2 readings
Week 4 Roadmap and Objectives10m
Week 4 Optional Resources10m
1 practice exercise
Week 4 Quiz20m
4.0
50 Reviews67%
started a new career after completing these courses
83%
got a tangible career benefit from this course
Top Reviews
By JH•Jan 19th 2018
Excepcional, debido a que toda la secuencia de la aplicación y el desarrollo de la educación virtual, impregna los profesores y estudiantes en un universo de excitación y deseo de aprender. Gracias
By KT•Dec 24th 2016
simply a great course as I see it's preview. am yet to check out how the learning translates into practice, though.
Instructor
Cindy Carbajal
InstructorUC Irvine Extension
About University of California, Irvine
Since 1965, the University of California, Irvine has combined the strengths of a major research university with the bounty of an incomparable Southern California location. UCI’s unyielding commitment to rigorous academics, cutting-edge research, and leadership and character development makes the campus a driving force for innovation and discovery that serves our local, national and global communities in many ways.
About the Virtual Teacher Specialization
This series of courses provides best practices for online instruction, student engagement and virtual community building; effective uses of asynchronous and synchronous technologies, social media and other emerging technologies; and data analysis techniques and student performance measurements to individualize instruction in an online or blended environment. The courses in this Specialization may be taken in any order. Each course can be taken independently. The Specialization concludes with a final project that will give you the opportunity to integrate and apply the skills you have gained throughout the courses.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
Once you enroll for a Certificate, you’ll have access to all videos, quizzes, and programming assignments (if applicable). Peer review assignments can only be submitted and reviewed once your session has begun. If you choose to explore the course without purchasing, you may not be able to access certain assignments.
What will I get if I subscribe to this Specialization?
When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
What is the refund policy?
Is financial aid available?
More questions? Visit the Learner Help Center.
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