I'm New to Teaching Online @ U-M

Introduction

If you’re new to teaching online, considering teaching in a new environment may seem quite daunting. This pathway will guide you to the learning resources that are best for those who are just getting started with online teaching.

Step 1: Getting Started

While the previous year has exposed a lot of instructors to online teaching, for some it still may be a new experience.

One of the first things to consider is taking an inventory of what you do know as well as what you might need to learn more about.

If you need to learn more about the technology used at U-M:

• ITS Teaching & Learning hosts workshops on tools like Canvas (the learning management system used at U-M) as well as tools like Slack and Zoom.

If you are interested in a brief exploration of the foundations of teaching online

Consider checking out the Getting Started with Online Teaching course.

This self-paced course helps you learn foundational practices of developing and facilitating online courses by exploring the following concepts:

• Designing your online course
• Curating and creating course content
• Creating community in online classes
• Online assessment strategies
• Course management strategies
• Inclusive teaching in the online environment

Enroll in Getting Started with Online Teaching

Step 2: Content & Pathways

If you want a less structured way to explore online teaching fundamentals, visit the Guides section of the website and discover the content and pathways listed there. These modules are self-guided and available on demand so learners can engage with the content at their own pace. A pathway is a good place to start, as it combines a series of short learning modules in a sequence that aims to achieve a specific learning outcome.

Visit the Guides page to explore one of our content pathways.

Step 3: Find support

There are lots of places across campus for faculty to find support with their online teaching. Check with your individual department as well.

• Center for Research on Teaching and Learning has documentation and consultations available for faculty interested in the thoughtful pedagogical integration of technology into teaching. 
• University Library Learning and Teaching Unit supports digital scholarship, offers faculty consultations on designing course activities and modules, and provides some resources for media production. Also offers a broad range of workshops through the TTC.
• ITS Teaching & Learning offers workshops on a broad range of technology, and are the Canvas experts on UM campus. There is an always available stream of Canvas workshops. In addition, ITS T&L consults with faculty on pedagogical uses of UM technology in the classroom.
• LSA has a wide range of public documentation resources available for both the use of technology as well as teaching best practices.