A-to-Z Index



Information Technology in the Classroom



Earn a certificate online!

Course Description

The IT in the Classroom Certificate is a sequenced progression of courses, moving from a "big picture" conceptual overview of online instruction to individualized hands-on course design and development, organized around an online learning project that exhibits an applied understanding of best teaching and learning practices.

Course Modules

The IT in the Classroom Certificate coursework consists of three instructor-led one-credit hour long online courses

  • The course modules are self-paced
  • Courses are practitioner-oriented for K-12, pre-service, in-service, and college teachers
  • 5-10 weeks per one hour course
  • The certificate coursework features an asynchronous learning envirnonment using the Blackboard LMS
  • We will use texts, online readings and discussion forums
  • Hands-on project work and course development with real-world teaching applications
  • Assignments will be project-based

Introduction to Online Learning and Pedagogy

This one credit-hour course is an introduction to online instruction, its history, key concepts, and current issues. Students will study the effective application of major learning theories to online teaching and learning, the importance of learner characteristics, and current perspectives and trends in online instruction. Assessments: short papers on assigned readings, discussion board, weekly online journal postings.

Course outline

  • Conceptual framework: history of online learning, key concepts, current issues in online instruction
  • Factors that contribute to successful technology-mediated instruction
  • Principles and practices of online teaching and learning
  • Student learning styles
  • The role of the online teacher
  • Conceptualizing your course: connecting learning goals to online pedagogy

Designing and Managing Instruction for Online Learning

This one credit-hour course applies the foundational theories of online learning and instruction to course planning, preparation, and design. Students will develop their own online course using instructional design models that promote best practices for effective online learning and assessment. The course design project will focus on the specific interests of each student and their individual instructional goals. Assessments will be based on reading assignments, discussion board postings, and a hands-on course development project.

Course outline

  • Review of instructional design models
  • Systematic application of instructional design principles
  • Accessing and integrating digital learning resources
  • Selecting and using tools and resources for online learning
  • Student project: designing an online course using the Blackboard LMS

Online Teaching and Learning

The focus of this one credit-hour course is applied online pedagogy. Students will learn how to apply effective teaching and learning strategies that create interactive environments that foster an engaged community of learning and inquiry. Assessments will be based on reading assignments, discussion boards, an online journal, and peer-reviewed feedback on the effectiveness of online teaching and evaluation strategies.

Course outline

  • Survey of applied best practices for online teaching and assessment
  • Instructional strategies
  • Assessment strategies
  • Promoting interactivity and immersive learning
  • Creating a learning community

Contact Information

Program Coordinator: Jim Mazoué, Ph.D.
Center for Instructional Technology

Distance Learning - Library and Education Technology
Carrier Library
JMU
MSC 1720
Harrisonburg, VA 22807
(540) 568-2591 (office)
(540) 568-6734 (fax)
mazouejg@jmu.edu
http://people.jmu.edu/mazoue

Outreach & Engagement
MSC 6906
395 S. High Street
Harrisonburg, VA 22807

(540)568-4253 (office)
(540)568-4252 (fax)

e-mail: outreach@jmu.edu
web: www.jmu.edu/outreach/