Creating Online Teaching Competencies and a Faculty Development Curriculum

Nima Salehi

University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

Christina Petersen

University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

Sara Hurley

University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

Peg Sherven

University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

Christiane Reilly

University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

Keywords: faculty teaching competencies, curriculum, online teaching, pedagogy


Abstract

Faculty today need a range of academic technology, pedagogical and course design skills to be effective teachers in today’s digital learning environment. What are the key skills they need and what professional development resources should be provided to help them acquire these skills? Developing a competency list can help colleges and universities answer these questions and begin preparing an effective faculty development curriculum. How do you select a list of competencies that are research based, relevant, and support student centered learning? This workshop provides an overview of academic technology, teaching, and course design competencies developed for faculty at the University of Minnesota. The competency list draws from research in the learning sciences and current national standards. During the workshop, participants will discuss, analyze and determine which competencies best meet the needs of their own faculty and educational environment. Participants will then examine a proposed curriculum to help them design or enhance their own faculty development initiatives. This workshop will benefit faculty, academic technology specialists, and administrators who want to facilitate enriched teaching and learning in today’s digital learning environment.


Author Biographies

Nima Salehi, University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

Nima Salehi is an instructional designer and assessment specialist at the University of Minnesota. She assists faculty with the development of blended and online instruction and quality course reviews. She teaches an online course on Technology Enhanced Language Learning at Hamline University. She has an MA in Teaching English to Speakers of other Languages (ESL) from the University of Minnesota.

Christina Petersen, University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

Christina Petersen is an Education Program Specialist at the Center for Educational Innovation at the University of Minnesota. Christina's research interests include determining good practice for supporting student teamwork & teaching in active learning classrooms.