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Dear Michael
Teaching online during the pandemic presented a unique opportunity for educators worldwide to sample the world of virtual teaching and learning. At the time, teachers were thrust into the realm of online teaching without prior experience or training, leading to what is often referred to as “emergency remote learning.” Teachers during the pandemic had to quickly adapt to new technologies, digital platforms, and teaching methods to ensure continuity of education. While they gained valuable experience in using online tools and facilitating virtual classes, the context of emergency remote learning was characterized by urgency, limited resources, and a focus on short-term solutions.
Now, as the situation evolves and online learning becomes more prevalent, educators are realizing the distinction between “emergency remote learning” and true, high-quality, and sustainable online learning.
National Standards for Quality Online Learning: A Benchmark for Quality
The updated National Standards for Quality Online Learning (NSQOL), released in 2019, serve as a benchmark for online programs, districts, and state agencies seeking high-quality standards for online courses, teaching, and programs. The Virtual Learning Leadership Alliance (VLLA), an association of supplemental virtual programs from across the United States, is one organization providing oversight for the NSQOL standards. Michigan Virtual, a founding member of the VLLA, has used the NSQ Online Teaching standards to support the need for professional development in online, blended, and hybrid teaching practices, enhancing educators’ skills and effectiveness in the virtual classroom.
High-Quality Online Teaching Training is in Demand
Online teaching encompasses a broader range of pedagogical strategies, course design principles, and student engagement techniques that are carefully planned and executed over an extended period. Educators are focusing on creating engaging and interactive learning experiences to meet the needs of all learners, leveraging online platforms and technologies to streamline their teaching and assessment, and implementing vetted best practices and sustainable strategies tailored to the online environment.
In essence, while teachers gained valuable experience during the pandemic, they understand that true online teaching involves a deeper understanding of digital pedagogy, instructional design, and ongoing support for both educators and students in the online learning journey.
Online Teaching & Learning Micro-Credentials
The team from Michigan Virtual is so excited to share their Online Teaching & Learning professional learning series. Comprised of eight expert-designed courses aligned with the National Standards for Quality Online Learning, this series equips educators with the skills and knowledge necessary to bring high-quality online instruction to their students.
Another neat thing about these courses is that each one earns learners a micro-credential and upon completion of all eight courses, learners will be awarded the Online Teaching & Learning Mastery Level 1 micro-credential. This is a great way for educators to visually showcase their skills on their resume, LinkedIn, email signature, or portfolio.
Here’s a quick overview of what is covered in this 8-part Level 1 series:
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 Introduction to Online Teaching & Learning: Explore models and instructional best practices for online teaching and learning.
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 Setting Up Your Online Classroom: Discover how to set up your online classroom with efficacy.
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 Student Engagement: Apply sound pedagogy for student engagement to the online learning environment.
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 Communicating in Online Classrooms: Learn communication strategies for engaging students and developing meaningful relationships in the online classroom.
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 Grading & Feedback: Uncover the essentials of giving high-quality and effective feedback in the online classroom and success strategies for grading in the online environment.
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 Discussion Boards: Master the skillful design and facilitation of discussion boards as assessment and interaction tools in the online classroom.
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 Course Content: Dive into best practices for creating, managing, and supplementing course content in the online classroom.
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 Supporting Exceptional Students: Identify strategies for supporting exceptional student populations while ensuring accessibility for all
Here is what is being said about these courses:
“The activities and assignments are directly applicable to what I do every day. It is always good to be reminded of best practice and to have opportunities to practice these ideas and strategies.”
“Supports what I am currently doing and pushes me to try new things.”
“Applies to what I am teaching. Very useful and practical.”
“I have been very impressed with these classes.”
In addition to these first 8 courses in our Level 1 series, we’ll be launching our Level 2 series of 8 courses this summer! Look for our next series of courses with topics like Academic Integrity, Online Classroom Management, Assessments, Class Data and Progress, and Community Building in Summer 2024!
We invite you to check out the new professional learning series!
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