Essentials of Learning Technologies

This certificate program provides a foundation in essential learning technologies available at UNC Charlotte. Faculty, academic support staff, and graduate students seeking to earn the Essentials of Learning Technologies Certificate should complete each of the three workshops in this series. The program has been designed so that the certificate can be earned in one semester. Participants who complete all the requirements will be issued a digital credential via a Credly badge.

Prerequisite

• Basic Computer Skills: email, accessing the internet, uploading and downloading files, linking pages
• No prior workshops required

Learning Outcomes

The participants will be able to

• Identify various ways to obtain help with Canvas and OneIT Help Desk
• Explain how to import a template from Canvas Commons
• Identify how to upload and organize course content in Canvas
• Identify ways to communicate with students through Canvas tools
• Define methods for evaluating students
• Identify how to start and record synchronous zoom sessions
• Explain how to set-up Zoom breakout rooms

Required Workshops (6 credits)

1. Starting With a Fresh Canvas (Asynchronous, 1 Credit) or Canvas: Starting Fresh ( Synchronous, 1 Credit): This workshop covers how to use Canvas for your course materials. It includes topics like: the dashboard, uploading content, creating pages, organizing with modules, making a home page, discussions, assignments, navigation, and examples. It is helpful to both new faculty learning Canvas, and returning faculty who are seeking resources or a refresher.
2. Canvas Assignments and Gradebook (Asynchronous, 1 Credit) or Canvas: Assignment and Gradebook: (Synchronous, 1 Credit) In this workshop you will learn how to use Canvas Assignments page to set up your Gradebook to calculate course grades. You’ll also learn how to create and grade assignments, enter grades with SpeedGrader, and use rubrics for communicating expectations of quality.
3. Canvas: Quizzing (Synchronous, 1 Credit): Learn how to create Canvas Quizzes for student assessments and manage online quizzes in a time-efficient manner. Giving frequent low-stake quizzes is considered a great student-centered learning technique that facilitates students becoming accountable for their learning. We recommend this workshop for anyone new to Canvas Quizzing or who needs to learn about updates to the Canvas Quizzing Tool. Migration of Canvas Quizzes created with the classic quiz tool is covered.
4. Zoom AI for Teaching (Synchronous, 1 Credit): This workshop will explore the new Zoom AI companion feature added on to Zoom meetings. Participants will learn how to use the Zoom AI Whiteboard feature for teaching, including creating, sharing, and collaborating on digital whiteboards. The session covers drawing tools, sticky notes, and integration with Zoom features, with live demos showcasing how to enhance virtual teaching through interactive and engaging lessons.
5. Canvas Studio (select at least one of the following)
   • Part 1: Canvas Studio – Flipping Your Class with Videos (Synchronous, 1 Credit): Canvas Studio has replaced Kaltura Capture and My Media for instructional videos! This workshop will cover the basics of using Canvas Studio to create and share instructional media through your Canvas courses. Topics include: how to upload existing media, recording new media, captioning videos, editing media, embedding media on pages, understanding the video Library, and creating assignments that involve video submission and having students submit assignments involving videos.
   • Part 2: Canvas Studio for Video Quizzes (Synchronous, 1 Credit): Canvas Studio’s in-video quiz feature allows instructors to embed interactive quiz questions at specific points in videos. Students can respond to multiple-choice, true/false, or other types of prompts while watching the video. This feature enhances student engagement, reinforces key concepts, and provides a way for instructors to assess understanding. Customization includes time limits and multiple attempts. Learn how to use this tool with your videos to increase student engagement!
   • Part 3: Canvas Studio: Exploring Video Data and Analytics (Synchronous, 1 Credit): Canvas Studio Analytics can enhance your instructional practices utilizing the power of data to understand student engagement with video content. Learn how to track views, comments, and participation, and gain valuable insights to optimize your teaching strategies.
6. Canvas Analytics (select one of the following)
   • Part 1: Canvas Analytics for Early Interventions (Synchronous, 1 Credit): Learn how to leverage Canvas Analytics for early student intervention! Course analytics offer data on individual and aggregate student activity, assignment submissions, and grades, as well as page views and student participation metrics across all of their devices. In this session, you’ll learn how to leverage Canvas as a tool for identifying students in need!
   • Part 2: Canvas Analytics to Improve Your Canvas Course Design (Synchronous, 1 Credit): Looking to become a data-driven instructor and/or course designer? This interactive workshop builds on the Canvas Analytics for Early Intervention Workshop to incorporate what you learned into the design of your Canvas Course. Specifically, we will use Canvas Analytics to identify assignments, assessments, and other course elements that need to be improved based on student data. We will also discuss how to (re)design your Canvas course to collect optimal student intervention data, and practice doing so on one of your current course designs!
     

FAQs

1. Can non-faculty members pursue and earn this certificate?
   • The CTL certificates are for instructors, academic support staff, and gradaute students.
2. Do I have to complete all the requirements in a single semester or year?
   • No! You may take as long as you like to earn the certificate.
3. How is the certificate awarded?
   • Participants who complete all the requirements will be issued a digital credential via a Credly badge.