SWU responding to increasing demand for online course designers
As colleges and schools experienced a shutdown in March and subsequent move to online instruction, teachers experience frustration as they are constantly challenged to deliver learning to their students in meaningful ways, but at the same time there has been a jump in demand for instructional designers and other eLearning-related jobs.
Schools, colleges and universities are faced with the need for personnel who can help teachers and professors do more than just “wing it” online. Southern Wesleyan University has included instructional technology in its education curriculum and, earlier this year, initiated a Microcredential in Instructional Design, which has attracted teachers, professors and trainers from the corporate world.
“Instructional design has become all the more critical as we respond to COVID-19,” said Dr. Tyler Watts, eLearning and instructional design faculty member. “Our program provides opportunities for learners to develop meaningful and engaging online experiences that can transform remote teaching into truly transformative online learning.”
The Microcredential in Instructional Design at Southern Wesleyan covers the foundations of online curriculum design and eLearning, creation of an online classroom for both synchronous (“real time”) and asynchronous instruction, development of eLearning curriculums that function across multiple socioeconomic classes and geographies, complying with accessibility regulations, and instruction on how teachers can effectively monitor progress and assess the quality of student work as an e-instructor. For South Carolina educators, courses in the Microcredential in Instructional Design are also approved for application towards an endorsement in online teaching.
For details about the Microcredential in Instructional Design at Southern Wesleyan, visit swu.edu/elearning.
Southern Wesleyan University is a Christ-centered, student-focused learning community devoted to transforming lives by challenging students to be dedicated scholars and servant-leaders who impact the world for Christ. For details about degree programs, go online to swu.edu.
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