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.
Virtual Teacher Specialization
Virtual Teacher Specialization. develop the skills to teach online
Offered By
How the Specialization Works
Take Courses
A Coursera Specialization is a series of courses that helps you master a skill. To begin, enroll in the Specialization directly, or review its courses and choose the one you'd like to start with. When you subscribe to a course that is part of a Specialization, you’re automatically subscribed to the full Specialization. It’s okay to complete just one course — you can pause your learning or end your subscription at any time. Visit your learner dashboard to track your course enrollments and your progress.
Hands-on Project
Every Specialization includes a hands-on project. You'll need to successfully finish the project(s) to complete the Specialization and earn your certificate. If the Specialization includes a separate course for the hands-on project, you'll need to finish each of the other courses before you can start it.
Earn a Certificate
When you finish every course and complete the hands-on project, you'll earn a Certificate that you can share with prospective employers and your professional network.
There are 5 Courses in this Specialization
Course1
Foundations of Virtual Instruction
4.0
186 ratings
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
Course2
Emerging Trends & Technologies in the Virtual K-12 Classroom
4.5
142 ratings
Emerging technologies are quickly gaining momentum in the field of virtual K-12 instruction. In this course, we will explore how the latest trends in the use of technology affect student learning and engagement. What innovative learning spaces and tools are available to instructors? How can instructors best utilize free and open resources to more deeply engage students in their learning? What impact can the use of emerging technologies have on student retention and performance? We will discuss the possibilities and challenges of using technology in fully online environments, although many of the ideas can be applied to blended and traditional environments as well. Learners will compare and contrast tools for use in K-12 virtual instruction, as well as examine best practices for implementing and managing these tools.
Upon completing this course, you will be able to:
1. Understand the role of technology in the distribution of content, the facilitation of collaborative activities, and the assessment of students, courses, and organizations.
2. Identify and evaluate existing and emerging technologies for their value in virtual course instruction and curriculum development.
3. Design and assess a learning activity that utilizes social learning tools.
4. Design and assess a learning activity or curricular program that uses game-based strategies and/or badges to deepen student engagement in virtual courses.
5. Research, critically evaluate, and employ open content in virtual education.
6. Debate the role of MOOCs in virtual K-12 education.
Course3
Advanced Instructional Strategies in the Virtual Classroom
4.3
88 ratings
This course will help you ‘up’ your game and develop the advanced level skills and techniques that elude even some of the most experienced virtual teachers. We will examine the pitfalls beginning teachers run into and learn how to overcome them by focusing on the fundamentals that have the greatest impact on student learning in a blended or online environment. Throughout the course, you will be challenged to assess your own skills and apply what you are learning by creating a guide, assignment, or resource that you will be able to use in a class that you teach or hope to teach someday soon. By the end of the course, you will not only have a better understanding of the basics, you will be able to put them together like a pro and empower your future students to be voracious learners who are ready to go out and make the world a better place to live.
Upon completing this course, you will be able to:
1. Meet your students' needs and craft a better virtual learning experience for them
2. Set up the learning environment so you get to know your students and they get to know each other
3. Personalize learning by providing feedback using a variety of online tools
5. Identify at-risk students and employ effective strategies for teaching them
6. Compare and contrast online and face-to-face learning communities
7. Apply strategies to make virtual courses more human
Course4
Performance Assessment in the Virtual Classroom
4.1
69 ratings
Effective measures of performance and assessment are a crucial component of any virtual program. Teachers and administrators must understand both the myths and challenges of assessing performance virtually, administering standardized testing with geographical challenges, and complying with state and local requirements to make sure students are meeting requirements. This course will discuss student performance in a virtual classroom, formats of virtual assessments, assessing special populations, including at-risk, gifted, and special needs students, data analysis of virtual course gradebooks, and learning management systems as related to performance and assessment. This course will enable teachers to see the importance of communication and organization in managing virtual caseloads, and monitoring student learning remotely through the effective use of learning management system features.
Instructors
Melissa Joell Loble, M.A., MBA
InstructorUC Irvine Extension
Victoria Roth O'Neal
InstructorUC Irvine Extension
Racquel Nedden
Instructor & Lead TeacherUCI Extension & UC Scout
Chris Long
InstructorUC Irvine Extension
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the refund policy?
Can I just enroll in a single course?
Yes! To get started, click the course card that interests you and enroll. You can enroll and complete the course to earn a shareable certificate, or you can audit it to view the course materials for free. When you subscribe to a course that is part of a Specialization, you’re automatically subscribed to the full Specialization. Visit your learner dashboard to track your progress.
Is financial aid available?
Can I take the course for free?
Is this course really 100% online? Do I need to attend any classes in person?
This course is completely online, so there’s no need to show up to a classroom in person. You can access your lectures, readings and assignments anytime and anywhere via the web or your mobile device.
Will I earn university credit for completing the Specialization?
This Specialization doesn't carry university credit, but some universities may choose to accept Specialization Certificates for credit. Check with your institution to learn more.
What background knowledge is necessary?
The courses are designed for teachers working with K-12 students, instructors working with further education, community college or vocational students, continuing education or in-service facilitators supporting teachers and faculty, and educators interested in educational technology an/or online instruction. No prior teaching experience is necessary.
Do I need to take the courses in a specific order?
It is recommended that students start with the first course of the series and follow the order listed, however, it is not mandatory.
What will I be able to do upon completing the Specialization?
Online instruction is one area of education that is in need of qualified educators. Upon completion, educators will be equipped with the strategies and best practices needed to transition and be effective in the online space.
More questions? Visit the Learner Help Center.
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