Do I need to enroll in all of the Academy courses to complete the program?
No. The Academy offers five courses, but the complete series is designed for multiple participants from a district team. Leaders and teachers should enroll in the course(s) appropriate for their role in a blended and online learning initiative.
I am a teacher interested in the teacher courses. Can I enroll in these courses if my district leaders aren’t participating in the program?
Yes. While the Academy was built to provide team-based learning, any educator is welcome to join our community in any course that would elevate his or her skills.
What is the time commitment for each Academy course?
Leading Successful Blended & Online Learning Initiatives is two to three hours per week for six weeks. Learn more >
Leading Blended & Online Teachers is four hours per week for six weeks. Learn more >
Online Teaching: Fundamentals of Instructional Design is six hours per week for eight weeks. Learn more >
Online Teaching: Fundamentals of Instruction is six hours per week for eight weeks. Learn more >
Blended Teaching Essentials is six hours per week for six weeks. Learn more >
How are the courses presented online?
Online courses are presented using the learning management system (LMS) Canvas, which incorporates an easy-to-use interface, simple navigation, and allows for consistent interaction among instructors and participants.
Are there any face-to-face interactions required?
No. The courses are entirely online. However, participants build a collaborative, dynamic online community throughout the class experience.
What types of activities and assignments are involved in these courses?
Typical assignments include class discussions, collaborative projects, and job-embedded activities that are posted to a wiki, blog, or open class forum online. Instructors read all class discussions and responses, add comments, and offer feedback to guide participants toward deeper insights and awareness. Other learning activities are submitted privately to the facilitator for individual feedback and grading.
Who teaches Academy courses?
Courses are taught by highly-qualified, veteran educators who are both content experts and facilitators in blended and online modalities.
If I have a question for the facilitator, how long will it take to get a response?
Instructors are required to answer questions within 24 hours, although most instructors answer questions within hours of the initial submission.
How long does it take for the assignments to be graded?
Assignments are graded within 48 hours of the end of the module.
If I miss a week of the course, can I make up the session and work?
Participants who anticipate missing a week of the course may submit the necessary materials early. This ensures that their thoughts will be part of the discussion and will receive timely feedback from colleagues and the instructor.
Participants who choose to submit their work after missing a week usually receive less collegial feedback because the class will have already moved on to the next module. However, the instructor will still provide feedback and grade the assignment.
How large are the class sizes?
Each class size varies but has a maximum of 15 participants. A smaller class size creates a more personalized course experience among the instructor and the participants.