![\"UT](\"http:\/\/news.utoledo.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/UT-online-screen-shot.jpg\")
<\/a>These instructors followed the steps laid out by Pathway, including lessons in online teaching, Americans With Disabilities Act compliance, online course design, and the Quality Matters peer review process and rubric, and are certified Master Online Instructors. <\/p>\n\u201cThe Pathway Program was designed to help faculty develop the knowledge and skills needed to design quality online courses and deliver effective online instruction with technology,\u201d Phoebe Ballard, director of instructional design and development, said. <\/p>\n
“I decided to take the Pathway courses because I wanted to broaden my understanding of instructional design in the humanities and provide the best online experience possible for UT students,\u201d French said. \u201cThe online learning component of higher education is the future, whether it be in a face-to-face, blended, or all-online environment.\u201d <\/p>\n
In the course design portion of the program, instructors are introduced to the Backward Design method. The Backward Design framework begins with the identification of the desired results, with an emphasis on student learning, according to Ballard. <\/p>\n
\u201cThey\u2019re able to design effective online courses by applying the concepts of Backward Design and alignment,\u201d Ballard said. \u201cFirst, they develop measurable learning objectives. Next, they determine the acceptable evidence in the form of authentic assessment. Finally, they develop engaging instructional materials and active learning activities, all in support of those measurable goals.\u201d <\/p>\n
\u201cAs a professor, it\u2019s my nature to want to learn, so I signed up for the courses so I could improve my online teaching abilities and increase my level of understanding course design so that I can challenge and meet the needs of my students,\u201d Kucharewski said. <\/p>\n
The ability to take these courses in a largely online format is also a benefit to instructors.<\/p>\n
\u201cBy participating in these courses as an online student, they have a deep understanding of what it takes to be an effective facilitator of online learning,\u201d Ballard said. \u201cThey develop a deep understanding of the unique needs of the online learner and the kind of support online learners need in order to be successful.\u201d<\/p>\n
The differences in student needs are further highlighted by the Americans With Disabilities Act course, which looks to close the gaps in education for those with distinctive learning needs. <\/p>\n
The now-certified faculty members agree that these courses provide a more comprehensive look at student needs in the online environment. <\/p>\n
\u201cI learned a lot and it was definitely a worthwhile experience, because I have now experienced online learning as a professor and a student, and I understand teaching online so much more than ever before,\u201d Kucharewski said. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe owe our students learning outcomes that make a difference in their lives, and the Pathway Program goes far to accomplish this goal,\u201d French said. \u201cUT Online is an incredible asset that everyone should take advantage of.\u201d<\/p>\n