Launched in 2011, Online & Blended Teacher Certification guides educators through a curriculum based on the iNACOL National Standards for Online Teaching. Upon successful completion, the certification will give schools, districts and other prospective employers assurance that Leading Edge Certified Online & Blended Teachers not only have the skills to effectively facilitate online and blended courses, but also have a solid understanding of how to enhance the learning opportunities for all students enrolled in their courses.

To find training opportunities near you or online, visit the Training section of our site.

Curriculum Outline:

(Module titles link to a demo of the module)

Module 1: Introduction and Overview

Learning Objectives: 
In this module, participants will:

• Assess readiness for online learning.
• Identify tips for being a successful online learner.
• Identify technical requirements for this course.
• Review the syllabus and course requirements.

Module 2: Online Learning: History and Concepts

Learning Objectives: 
In this module, participants will:

• Compare and contrast the pedagogy of face-to-face, blended, and online teaching. (iNACOL Standard A)
• Collaborate with colleagues through the use of web-based tools. (iNACOL Standard J)
• Demonstrate appropriate use of technologies to enhance student learning. (iNACOL Standard K)

Module 3: Pedagogy

Learning Objectives: 
In this module, participants will:

• Identify appropriate levels of Bloom’s Taxonomy for a variety of Web 2.0 tools. (iNACOL Standard K)
• Use student-centered instructional strategies to encourage active learning and interaction. (iNACOL Standard C)
• Select and use a variety of Web 2.0 tools appropriate for higher levels of cognition. (iNACOL Standard B)
• Collaborate with colleagues on the development of a Web 2.0 presentation. (iNACOL Standard J)
• Identify technology tools and strategies to move Project-based learning into the online environment.

Module 4: Building Community

Learning Objectives:
In this module, participants will:

• Identify and understand techniques for building community in an online environment. (iNACOL Standard C)
• Develop and implement a discussion prompt that supports student internalization of academic content. (iNACOL Standard C)
• Experience alternative asynchronous discussion tools.
• Reflect on social media tools and how they may impact students’ lifelong learning.

Module 5: Online Accessibility

Learning Objectives:
In this module, participants will:

• Review concepts related to accessibility.
• Review relevant laws and regulations related to Section 508 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
• Reflect on their current practice and materials in relationship to accessibility.
• Create a video resource that meets ADA accessibility requirements through captioning and transcription.

Module 6: Assessment and Evaluation

Learning Objectives:
In this module, participants will:

• Differentiate and identify the similarities and differences between successful online and face-to-face assessments.
• Understand the rationale behind creating and implementing assessments in online learning environments.
• Identify and review components of formative assessments.
• Review and demonstrate effective and authentic use of grading rubrics.
• Develop and deliver assessments, projects, and assignments that meet standards-based learning goals and assess learning progress by measuring student achievement of learning goals.

Module 7: Policies and Preparation

Learning Objectives:
In this module, participants will:

• Assess teacher readiness for online learning and teaching.
• Understand the changing role of the online teacher to an online coach.
• Create a personal learning plan to gain or strengthen online coaching skills.
• Understand the essential elements and develop an online syllabus.
• Review academic honesty, copyright, and fair use.

Module 8: Closure and Summation

Learning Objectives:
In this module, participants will:

• Summarize their areas of strength and areas for growth needed to become a quality online teacher.
• Synthesize what they have learned in this course in relation to the iNACOL Standards for Quality Online Teaching.
• Assemble their Leading Edge Certification Portfolio.

The curriculum was originally adapted from the @One online certification program with the complete permission of the developers. Significant changes and enhancements were made to shorten the curriculum scope from a 200 hour program to a more nimble 60 hours and refocus it for K12 teaching and learning. The curriculum will be licensed with a Creative Commons 3.0 Attribution, Share-Alike license (CC BY-SA) will be made freely available via curriki.org (and other distribution points) once it is finalized.