BOLD Course Development Academy University of Texas at San Antonio - Academic Innovation

Program Description

This program will help faculty build opportunities for learning and discovery in their courses. Combining the principles of human learning with effective course design, the modules in this program are designed to help faculty create innovative learning environments that lead to deeper learning for students.

Philosophy of Teaching and Learning

This program is built on two basic teaching and learning philosophies: Reflective Practice and Peer Learning.

Reflective Practice

Reflective practice is the cycle of ongoing learning that occurs when faculty take the time to stop, think, challenge and change their practices in order to create the best possible learning experiences for their students. In this program, you will spend time in each module reflecting on what you have learned and how you can apply that knowledge to your own courses.

• See Improving Teaching Through Reflection for more on reflective practice.

Peer Learning

Peer learning occurs when students are learning from each other. It is not defined by a single instructional strategy, but any activity in which students are able to explain their ideas, give each other feedback and support each other throughout the learning process. In this course, you will be participating in discussions with other faculty going through the course design process. The discussion prompts are designed to help you learn from each other.

• See Why Does Peer Instruction Benefit Student Learning? for more on peer learning.

Program Goals

During the course development cycle, this program is designed to:

• Assist faculty in creating innovative learning environments for students.
• Ensure courses are designed with a focus on quality, inclusivity, and innovation.
• Create a peer learning community for faculty teaching in online programs.
• Ensure faculty and courses are involved in a continuous quality improvement process.

Course Objectives

As part of the program, you will:

• Evaluate the alignment of objectives, assessments, activities, materials and tools in your online course.
• Compare the digital tools available for use in your online course.
• Assess your online course using the UTSA quality course checklist to ensure your course meets UTSA quality standards.
• Create opportunities for equitable student engagement in your online course using the principles of adult learning theory, deeper learning, natural critical learning environments and Universal Design for Learning (UDL).

Faculty Requirements

This program includes fully online and asynchronous modules with some scheduled Zoom and face-to-face meetings. These activities are required as part of your contract for course design for Online Programs.

We recommend you block at least 3 hours each week for these activities. The amount of time estimated to complete the required modules is a minimum of 21 hours. The total amount of time estimated to complete the entire course is a minimum of 38 hours.

1. Attend a course development kickoff meeting with other faculty developing courses during the same cycle.

2. Participate in an individual consultation with course facilitators and your designer to create an individualized faculty development plan.

3. Complete the following required online modules in the LMS. Each module is designed to be completed in approximately 3 hours:

• Start Here/Welcome
• Module 1: Your BOLD Plan
• Module 2: How We Learn
• Module 3: Deeper Learning
• Module 4: Learning Objectives and Alignment
• Module 5: Course Blueprint
• Module 6: Inclusive Design
• Course Review
• Course Evaluation

4. Participate in online and Zoom discussions with other faculty during the semester.

5. Attend an end-of-semester celebration to share your successes.

Once you complete the required activities you will earn the Basic UTSA BOLD Course Development certificate and digital badge.

Optional Activities

4. Complete any additional modules decided upon in Your BOLD Plan. Optional modules include:

• Module 7: Canvas Basics
• Module 8: Super Courses
• Module 9: Grading and Assessment
• Module 10: Engaging Your Students Online
• Module 11: Teaching Large Courses
• Module 12: Introducing Your Course to Your Students

Complete all activities to earn the Advanced UTSA BOLD Course Development Certificate and digital badge.

Faculty that create a personalized development plan, complete all course modules, and participate in the face-to-face and Zoom sessions will earn the UTSA BOLD Course Development Certificate and digital badge.

Requirements Going Forward

Required: Complete an annual refresher session while teaching online. This is part of your teaching contract with Online Programs.

Optional: Work toward Quality Matters course certification.

What's in the Modules?

All modules are fully online and designed for asynchronous learning.

The modules are designed to stand alone so that participants can complete the modules that meet their own needs. Each module is designed to take about 3 hours to complete.

Each module includes the following:

1. An overview video and Adobe Express presentation that guide you through the module contents.
2. Readings, videos and/or interactive lessons that cover the content for the module.
3. A guided discussion on the module content with other faculty also creating or updating courses during the same cycle.
4. A guided reflection on how to apply the concepts from the module to your own course. You will be able to collect these reflections to save for future use.
5. Some modules include relative and helpful assignments that apply the content to your own course instead of discussions or reflections.

Questions about the Program or Course Content?

Contact one of the course facilitators:

• Dr. Shelley Howell, Director of Faculty Development for Online Programs - shelley.howell@utsa.edu
• Diana Amis, Faculty Development Specialist - diana.amis@utsa.edu