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College of Engineering

Faculty Resources

To promote high-quality online instruction and ensure a consistent learning experience for EDGE students, all instructors teaching in the EDGE program are required to complete professional development (PD) for teaching online. New EDGE instructors must complete an approved PD course prior to teaching in the program, and all EDGE instructors are required to complete a refresher PD course at least once every three years. There are two approved PD pathways through the Center for Teaching Excellence (CTE) and the Center for Instructional Technology and Training (CITT) that can be chosen from.

New instructors: Select Option 1 from CTE OR Option 1 from CITT to complete your PD.

Returning instructors: Select any of the CTE or CITT PD courses recommended on this page.

There are additional supplemental training opportunities and instructional resources provided as well to support the continued development of effective online teaching.

Documentation of completion: Once the training has been completed, instructors should submit their certificate of completion or digital badge to the EDGE Program Administrator, edge-admin@eng.ufl.edu, for documentation on their training record.

Professional Development Pathways

The Center for Teaching Excellence (CTE) offers courses and workshop series for all aspects of teaching. As a new EDGE instructor, you can choose to take option 1 to fulfill your required training (alternative is CITT Option 1). Option 2 can be taken for the refresher training and as a supplemental course.

CTE Great Online Course Series: The courses are designed to accommodate all levels of experience, with information geared towards those who are new to online teaching.

  • Option 1: Design a Great Online Course (10 hours)
  • Option 2: Teach a Great Online Course (10 hours) 

Center for Instructional Training & Technology (CITT) offers webinars for all aspects of teaching. As a new EDGE instructor, you can choose to take option 1 to fulfill your required training (alternative is CTE Option 1). Option 2 can be taken for the refresher training and as a supplemental course.

  • Option 1: Engaging Online Learners (Webinar: offered once at the beginning of each semester for 3 weeks). Engaging Online Learners uses research-supported studies to examine and model best practices in online course design. Participants will experience the online learning environment from the student perspective while working through activities intended to demonstrate mastery of a variety of topics, including designing for student success, aligning student learning objectives, and creating engaging and accessible presentations.
  • Option 2: Accessible Online Environments (Webinar: offered after Engaging Online Learners each semester for 2 weeks). Throughout this online course, you will learn about the different types of accessibility needs and suggestions for developing your online materials. 

Other Recommended Trainings and Resources:

  • The Simple Path to Online Teaching Excellence (21-minute podcast) discusses essential design elements to create exceptional online learning experiences for your students. 
  • Ally in Canvas (1 hour offered through Center for Instructional Training & Technology (CITT)) Ally is a digital accessibility tool that scans your e-learning course and content. 
  • Incorporating Active Learning in eLearning (4 hours offered through Center for Instructional Training & Technology (CITT)) Introduction to elements of active learning assessments, strategies, and addressing student preparation and motivation
  • Other CITT training courses can be found at their Training Website. Use the AFFILIATION filter on the left navigation for faculty-focused opportunities.
  • Dozens of short asynchronous courses specific to online instruction are also available on LinkedIn Learning (the time required to complete them varies). Instructions for accessing UF LinkedIn Learning for both LinkedIn users and non-users can be found here. If you use LinkedIn but prefer not to connect your personal account, use the access instructions for non-users.  

Once any PD course or training is complete, email your certificate of competition or badge to: edge-admin@eng.ufl.edu.