About this course: 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
Created by: University of California, Irvine
Taught by: Cindy Carbajal, Instructor
UC Irvine Extension
| Basic Info | Course 1 of 5 in the Virtual Teacher Specialization |
| Commitment | 2-4 hours/week |
| Language | English |
| How To Pass | Pass all graded assignments to complete the course. |
| User Ratings |
Syllabus
WEEK 1
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.
7 videos, 4 readings
- Reading: About this Course
- Reading: Pre-Course Survey
- Reading: Week 1 Roadmap & Objectives
- Video: Week 1 Lesson 1: Introduction and Definitions
- Video: Week 1 Lesson 2: History of Online Learning
- Video: Week 1 Lesson 3: Current Models of Virtual Education
- Video: Week 1 Lesson 4: Evolving Models of Virtual Education
- Video: Week 1 Lesson 5: Virtual Programs and Organizations
- Video: Week 1 Interview: The Flipped Classroom
- Reading: Week 1 Optional Resources
Graded: Week 1 Quiz
WEEK 2
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.
5 videos, 2 readings
- Reading: Week 2 Roadmap and Objectives
- Video: Week 2 Lesson 2: Synchronous Instructional Platforms
- Video: Week 2 Lesson 3: Learning Management Systems
- Video: Week 2 Lesson 4: Other Online Learning Tools
- Video: Week 2 Interview: Social Media and Gamification
- Reading: Week 2 Optional Resources
Graded: Week 2 Quiz
WEEK 3
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.
5 videos, 3 readings
- Reading: Week 3 Roadmap and Objectives
- Video: Week 3 Lesson 2: The changing field of curriculum development and the role of outside vendors
- Video: Week 3 Lesson 3: How different and evolving virtual delivery models affect instruction
- Video: Week 3 Lesson 4: The Role of a Virtual Teacher
- Video: Week 3 Interview: Accomodations for Special Needs Students in the Virtual Classroom
- Reading: Week 3 Optional Resources
- Reading: About the Assignment
Graded: Assignment: Lesson Plan for Online Delivery
Graded: Week 3 Quiz
WEEK 4
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.
4 videos, 2 readings
- Reading: Week 4 Roadmap and Objectives
- Video: Week 4 Lesson 2: Equity and Access
- Video: Week 4 Lesson 3: The Law
- Video: Week 4 Interview: Using the Question Formulation Technique
- Reading: Week 4 Optional Resources
Graded: Week 4 Quiz
WEEK 5
Week 5: The Future of Virtual Education
In this last week of the course we'll consider the future of online education and how new technologies are changing the landscape of K-12 education.
3 videos, 4 readings
- Reading: Week 5 Roadmap
- Video: Week 5 Lesson 2: Trends and Forecasts
- Video: Week 5 Lesson 3: Continued Learning
- Reading: References
- Reading: Message from UC Irvine Extension
- Reading: Post-Course Survey
Graded: Final Quiz
FAQs
How It Works
Coursework
Each course is like an interactive textbook, featuring pre-recorded videos, quizzes and projects.
Help from Your Peers
Connect with thousands of other learners and debate ideas, discuss course material, and get help mastering concepts.
Certificates
Earn official recognition for your work, and share your success with friends, colleagues, and employers.
Creators
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.
Pricing
| Purchase Course | |
|---|---|
| Access to course materials | Available |
| Access to graded materials | Available |
| Receive a final grade | Available |
| Earn a shareable Course Certificate | Available |
Ratings and Reviews
Great course with great course material.
Useful tips about online learning and the peer assignment means you can see other examples of how to plan online learning, which is really helpful. However, this course is quite centred on America, including different states’ policies, funding models etc. Not so relevant for the international student. I found I had to learn that stuff for the quizzes even though I don’t need to know it otherwise.
It´s very useful. It´s easy to transfer the principles to real life.
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JM
I'd been teaching online for twenty years (you could call me an early adopter) and I still gained a range of methods and resources from this course. The instructor, I would say, is a master teacher in this modality.