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.
Offered By
Virtual Teacher SpecializationUniversity of California, IrvineAbout this Course
Learner Career Outcomes
57%
36%
Skills you will gain
Learner Career Outcomes
57%
36%
Offered by
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.
Syllabus - What you will learn from this course
Week 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.
Week 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.
Week 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.
Week 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.
Reviews
TOP REVIEWS FROM FOUNDATIONS OF VIRTUAL INSTRUCTION
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
Very basic and quite out of date with some silly content, like who founded Phoenix University. Also, it is a good example of un-engaging online teaching. Still, there was some useful information.
My first online course. Quite engaging.\n\nGave me confidence to launch myself in this new way of teaching learning.\n\nLearning tools and course organisation are quite well done
This Foundation of Virtual Instruction online course provide me the flexibility to learned on my own schedule. I learned a lot from this Foundation of Virtual Instruction course.
About the Virtual Teacher Specialization
Frequently Asked Questions
When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
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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?
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Is financial aid available?
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Will I earn university credit for completing the Course?
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