OTI (Online Teaching Institute)

ARC Online Teaching Institute (OTI) – Foundations 2.0

The ARC Online Teaching Institute (OTI) supports instructors as they continue to build online teaching skills. Through exploration and practice with exemplary course design strategies and effective teaching practices, instructors will build an online course environment that is welcoming and engaging, provides a space for communication and collaboration, presents content effectively, assesses learning through authentic and valid activities, and provides support for students in an inclusive learning environment.

Participants should have a working knowledge of how to create and teach a class using Canvas prior to beginning the OTI.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Identify and discuss federal, state, and local regulations that impact online course policy and practices, and resources that support course design and teaching practice aligned with regulations. 
• Create an accessible course welcome letter to prepare students for their course.
• Use a variety of communication tools within Canvas to engage students and ensure regular and substantive interaction with students.
• Customize an orientation module with introductory activities to support online learners.
• Customize a syllabus module presenting topics on discrete pages to facilitate quick access to information while reducing cognitive load for students.
• Create module/unit-level outcomes with corresponding activity and rubric.
• Create a Canvas content module with accessible content pages.
• Identify features of formative and summative assessments, use cases, and advantages/disadvantages of each.
• Use the Canvas quiz tool and SpeedGrader to create formative and summative assessments.
• Create, curate, and embed inclusive and accessible videos and other media within Canvas.

Spring 2025 Schedule TBD

OTI Prerequisites and Enrollment Requirements

Reminder: This is not Canvas training. Participants should have some experience with using Canvas in a teacher role before starting this course. 

Requirements for Completion

Certificates will be issued for completion of the entire Institute. To receive the certificate of completion, participants must:

• Participate in all required discussions.
• Complete all assigned activities and exercises.

Hours Required

This is a 6-week course. Participants will need to devote approximately 6-12 hours per week to reading, online discussions, and assignments. 

Recommended Skills

• Proficient computer skills (use of word processor, e-mail, file management)
• Proficient Internet skills (use of browsers, searches, uploading and downloading files)
• Familiarity with discussion boards
• Experience in an online learning environment as either a student or instructor

Technical Requirements

• Access to a PC or Mac with a current operating system that meets Camtasia’s system requirements or be prepared with an alternate video creation and editing application for use in the OTI
• Current version of a browser
• Internet connection, preferably broadband
• Built-in or external webcam
• USB microphone

Foundations 2.0 

This Institute can be used to fulfill the Foundations 2.0 opportunities for Faculty Professional Development, and welcomes all LRCCD employees who meet the enrollment requirements. In this program, faculty can choose from two compensation options: earning units for class salary advancement or accruing college service hours, if eligible. Visit the LRCCD Foundations 2.0 Program page for more information on compensation.

Additional Notes

Priority will be given to employees who have not completed a previous OTI using Canvas and who are scheduled to teach online at ARC.

List of Successful Graduates of the OTI

Registration begins November 8, 2024

Questions about the OTI? Contact Alice Dieli dielia@arc.losrios.edu (916) 484-8996 or Pamela Bimbi bimbip@arc.losrios.edu (916) 484-8103.