We all have memories of a teacher whose methods resonated with us, leaving a lasting impression. As online instructors, we endeavor to be that kind of teacher. Teaching quality varies greatly across institutions, modalities, and instructional style. In online teaching and learning, this variation can leave students dissatisfied with their classroom experience. While numerous institutions have designed orientations or even formal training for faculty, many fall short of providing concrete, evidence-based and actionable steps for instructors to create high-quality courses in which they confidently teach and connect with students.

The JHU Online Excellence project began as a recipient of the Digital Education & Learning Technology Acceleration (DELTA) Grant through the Office of the Provost, awarded to principal investigators James Diamond, Assistant Professor in the School of Education, Olysha Magruder, Director of Learning Design and Faculty Development, of the Engineering for Professionals (EP)’s Center for Learning Design and Technology, Michael Reese, Associate Dean and Director of the Center for Educational Resources, and Paul Huckett, Assistant Dean for Learning & Innovation, with EP’s Center for Learning Design and Technology. A University-wide initiative created with the help of a project advisory committee, includes nine faculty selected from a pool of nominees to create engaging videos, written content, assessments and activities for the MOOC in Coursera. The MOOC incorporates building community within courses, creating engaging learning activities, utilizing Universal Design for Learning and Accessibility principles, and more, all specifically designed to teach learners who will be teaching online themselves.

If you are seeking ways to improve your online teaching, brush up on the basics or learn new techniques, then this course is for you! Look for additional information on the JHU Certificate program and conference coming this December.