Professional Development Modules for the Design and Development of Cutting-Edge Online Learning Experiences (Phase III)

Abstract

Academic innovation is only as powerful as the knowledge assets it can produce and share. Over the past 6 years, York University has been working on a number of cutting-edge course models seeking to humanize the online teaching and learning experience, to connect content with competencies, and to provide opportunities for students to learn relevant knowledge and skills in a socially interactive and supportive fashion. Rigorous research carried out on these course prototypes has yielded valuable insights on the effective design, development, and delivery of digital experiences.

Our faculty members are the key to designing, developing and delivering these innovative course models, and this project seeks to support those early champions, while at the same time, spark an interest across faculties in the artful science of technology-enhanced instructional design.

This project, conducted in partnership with the Toronto-based media, technology and learning agency Sandbox Inc.. mobilizes those assets through the creation of an engaging learning platform and dynamic set of open access learning modules targeted to academic faculty and open to the public. These modules outline critical topics for instructor professional development in a fast-changing post-secondary environment. Available modules completed in Phases I and II cover Competency-Based Evaluation and Micro-Credentialing. Phase III focuses on Intentional Technology-Integrated Pedagogy.