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Foundations of Virtual Instruction

Cindy Carbajal

Welcome to Foundations of Virtual Instruction! This course will help you 'up' your game and develop the advanced skills and techniques that elude even some of the most experienced virtual teachers in the K-12 space. Examine pitfalls and learn how to overcome them by focusing on the fundamentals that have the most significant impact on student learning in a blended or online environment. When you complete this course, you will be able to:

• Craft virtual learning experiences that align with your student's needs.

• Set up a learning environment to get to know your students, and they get to know each other.

• Craft virtual learning experiences that align with your student's needs.

• Set up a learning environment to get to know your students, and they get to know each other.

• Use a variety of online tools to provide feedback and personalize the learning experience.

• Identify at-risk students and employ effective strategies for teaching them.

• Compare and contrast online and face-to-face learning communities.

• Apply strategies to make virtual courses more human.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Module 1

Welcome to Module 1, The History of Virtual Instruction. In this module, we will explore the history of virtual education and the different models of virtual instruction for K-12 students.

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Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Helps online instructors develop skills and techniques to improve their craft

Instructors gain familiarity with asynchronous and synchronous learning

Covers the basics of online facilitation, curriculum development, and student engagement

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Reviews summary

Foundations for k-12 virtual instruction

According to learners, the course provides a solid foundation for K-12 teachers transitioning to or improving their virtual instruction skills. Many found the content relevant and timely, especially the modules covering synchronous and asynchronous technologies and the transition from traditional classrooms. While appreciated for its clarity and comprehensive overview of key concepts like equity, funding, and legal considerations, some experienced educators felt the course was too basic, suggesting the depth might not fully meet the description's promise of "advanced skills." Reviews generally indicate it's most beneficial for beginners in the virtual teaching space.

Pacing is good but depth is sometimes limited.

"The course pace felt manageable, allowing time to absorb the information."

"While the overview is comprehensive, I wished for more depth on certain topics, like specific tools."

"Some sections felt a bit rushed, especially the legal and funding module."

"Good for breadth, but lacks the depth I expected for developing 'advanced' skills."

Most beneficial for novice virtual teachers.

"As an experienced online teacher, I found much of the content was review."

"Highly recommend this course for teachers starting out in virtual instruction."

"If you already have experience teaching online, this might be too basic for you."

"Perfect for someone making the switch from a physical classroom setting."

Course modules are well organized.

"The course modules were logically organized and easy to follow."

"I liked the progression from history to current practice and future outlook."

"Each module built nicely upon the previous one."

"Navigating the course content was straightforward thanks to the clear structure."

Topics are current and applicable to K-12.

"The modules on synchronous and asynchronous learning were particularly relevant to my current teaching situation."

"I appreciated the focus on K-12 specific challenges and opportunities in virtual environments."

"Covers important modern issues like equity and access in online learning."

"The content feels up-to-date with the current landscape of virtual education."

Provides a strong base for virtual teaching.

"This course gave me a solid foundation for understanding the basics of virtual instruction."

"Great introduction to the core concepts needed to teach online effectively."

"As someone new to teaching virtually, I found the fundamental principles explained clearly."

"Provides a good starting point for educators transitioning from traditional classrooms."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Foundations of Virtual Instruction with these activities:

Review of Synchronous Facilitation

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Reviewing core principles of synchronous virtual teaching can help you refresh your approach and make the most of the synchronous sessions in this course.

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Examine materials and resources on synchronous virtual instruction.
Attend a webinar or workshop on synchronous facilitation.
Lead a mock synchronous session with a colleague or mentor.

Developing Engaging Discussion Forums

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Engaging discussion forums are essential for fostering student interaction and collaboration in virtual learning. Practicing their development will enhance your ability to create meaningful and productive discussions.

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Review best practices and guidelines for designing online discussions.
Facilitate a mock discussion forum with colleagues or students, simulating real-world scenarios.
Collect and analyze feedback to improve the effectiveness of your discussion forums.

Practice Using Virtual Classroom Tools

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Increase familiarity with virtual tools by practicing on a test platform.

Browse courses on Online Tools

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Set up a test virtual classroom using the tools from the course.
Practice using the tools to create and manage content.

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Creating Online Quizzes and Assessments

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By practicing the creation of online quizzes and assessments, you can strengthen your ability to effectively evaluate student learning in a virtual environment.

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Utilize online tools or platforms to create practice quizzes.
Analyze various types of online assessments, such as multiple-choice, open-ended, and performance-based.
Seek feedback from colleagues or mentors on the effectiveness of your assessments

Engage in Discussion Forums

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Improve your understanding through active participation in discussion forums.

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Ask Thought-Provoking Questions
Respond to Peers' Posts
Summarize Key Points

Develop a Virtual Lesson Plan

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Begin applying the concepts of virtual instruction by creating a lesson plan for an online class.

Browse courses on Lesson Planning

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Choose a topic for your lesson.
Determine the learning objectives for your lesson.
Develop activities and assessments for your lesson.

Explore Moodle Plugins

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Enhance your Moodle experience by exploring and utilizing available plugins.

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Identify Useful Moodle Plugins
Install and Configure Plugins
Evaluate Plugin Effectiveness

Participate in Moodle Challenges

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Challenge yourself and showcase your Moodle skills by participating in competitions or hackathons.

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Find Relevant Moodle Challenges
Team Up with Others
Submit Your Moodle Project

Contribute to Moodle Community

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Make a meaningful contribution to the Moodle community by volunteering your time and expertise.

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Identify Volunteer Opportunities
Participate in Community Events
Share Your Moodle Knowledge

Create a Video Tutorial

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Deepen understanding of a concept by creating a video tutorial for other students.

Browse courses on Video Creation

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Choose a topic for your tutorial.
Develop a script for your tutorial.
Record and edit your tutorial.

Develop Moodle Training Materials

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Create valuable resources for the Moodle community by developing training materials or documentation.

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Identify a Training Need
Create Moodle Training Content
Share Your Training Materials

Career center

Learners who complete Foundations of Virtual Instruction will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Instructional Coordinator

Instructional Coordinators plan, develop, and implement educational programs and curricula. They collaborate with teachers, administrators, and parents to ensure that students receive a high-quality education. This course can help you build a foundation in virtual instruction, which is increasingly becoming a popular delivery method for education. You will learn how to use online tools and technologies to create engaging and effective learning experiences for students.

See salaries and explore the career path for Instructional Coordinator

Curriculum Developer

Curriculum Developers design and develop educational materials and programs. They work with teachers, administrators, and other stakeholders to ensure that students have access to high-quality learning experiences. This course can help you learn how to develop virtual learning experiences that are aligned with your students' needs. You will also learn how to use a variety of online tools and technologies to create engaging and effective learning materials.

See salaries and explore the career path for Curriculum Developer

Educational Consultant

Educational Consultants provide guidance and support to schools and other educational organizations. They help to improve teaching and learning practices, develop curricula, and implement new educational programs. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be an effective Educational Consultant. You will learn how to assess the needs of schools and other educational organizations, develop and implement improvement plans, and evaluate the effectiveness of educational programs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Educational Consultant

Instructional Designer

Instructional Designers design and develop learning experiences for students. They work with teachers, administrators, and other stakeholders to ensure that students have access to high-quality learning experiences. This course can help you build a foundation in virtual instruction, which is increasingly becoming a popular delivery method for education. You will learn how to use online tools and technologies to create engaging and effective learning experiences for students.

See salaries and explore the career path for Instructional Designer

Online Teacher

Online Teachers teach students using online tools and technologies. They work with students from all over the world, providing them with a flexible and convenient way to learn. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be an effective Online Teacher. You will learn how to use online tools and technologies to create engaging and effective learning experiences for students.

See salaries and explore the career path for Online Teacher

Learning Management System Administrator

Learning Management System Administrators manage and maintain learning management systems (LMSs). They work with teachers, students, and other stakeholders to ensure that the LMS is running smoothly and that users have access to the resources they need. This course can help you learn how to manage and maintain an LMS. You will also learn how to use a variety of online tools and technologies to create and deliver online learning experiences.

See salaries and explore the career path for Learning Management System Administrator

Instructional Coach

Instructional Coaches work with teachers to improve teaching and learning practices. They provide support and guidance to teachers, helping them to develop and implement effective instructional strategies. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be an effective Instructional Coach. You will learn how to assess the needs of teachers, develop and implement coaching plans, and evaluate the effectiveness of coaching interventions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Instructional Coach

Educational Technology Specialist

Educational Technology Specialists work with teachers and other stakeholders to integrate technology into the classroom. They provide training and support to teachers, helping them to use technology to improve teaching and learning. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be an effective Educational Technology Specialist. You will learn how to use a variety of online tools and technologies to create and deliver online learning experiences.

See salaries and explore the career path for Educational Technology Specialist

School Administrator

School Administrators oversee the operation of schools. They work with teachers, students, parents, and other stakeholders to ensure that the school is running smoothly and that students are receiving a high-quality education. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be an effective School Administrator. You will learn how to manage a school budget, develop and implement school policies, and evaluate the effectiveness of school programs.

See salaries and explore the career path for School Administrator

Higher Education Administrator

Higher Education Administrators oversee the operation of colleges and universities. They work with faculty, students, staff, and other stakeholders to ensure that the institution is running smoothly and that students are receiving a high-quality education. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be an effective Higher Education Administrator. You will learn how to manage a higher education budget, develop and implement higher education policies, and evaluate the effectiveness of higher education programs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Higher Education Administrator

K-12 Teacher

K-12 Teachers teach students from kindergarten through 12th grade. They work with students to develop their academic, social, and emotional skills. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be an effective K-12 Teacher. You will learn how to create and deliver engaging and effective lessons, manage a classroom, and assess student learning.

See salaries and explore the career path for K-12 Teacher

Principal

Principals oversee the operation of schools. They work with teachers, students, parents, and other stakeholders to ensure that the school is running smoothly and that students are receiving a high-quality education. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be an effective Principal. You will learn how to manage a school budget, develop and implement school policies, and evaluate the effectiveness of school programs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Principal

Superintendent

Superintendents oversee the operation of school districts. They work with school boards, teachers, students, parents, and other stakeholders to ensure that the district is running smoothly and that students are receiving a high-quality education. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be an effective Superintendent. You will learn how to manage a school district budget, develop and implement school district policies, and evaluate the effectiveness of school district programs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Superintendent

Education Policy Analyst

Education Policy Analysts research and analyze education policies. They work with policymakers to develop and implement policies that improve the quality of education. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be an effective Education Policy Analyst. You will learn how to research and analyze education policies, develop and implement policy recommendations, and evaluate the effectiveness of education policies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Education Policy Analyst

School Counselor

School Counselors work with students to help them succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. They provide counseling services to students, parents, and teachers. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be an effective School Counselor. You will learn how to provide counseling services to students, parents, and teachers, develop and implement counseling programs, and evaluate the effectiveness of counseling interventions.

See salaries and explore the career path for School Counselor

Reading list

We've selected 15 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Foundations of Virtual Instruction .

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Offers a step-by-step guide to teaching online, with practical advice on everything from course design to student engagement. It valuable resource for both new and experienced online instructors.

Foundations of Virtual Instruction

Two deals to help you save

What's inside

Syllabus

Traffic lights

Save this course

Reviews summary

Foundations for k-12 virtual instruction

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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