Distance Learning Certification - Instruction Policy - 60180

This policy applies to all teaching faculty at Germanna Community College. It addresses one of the professional development requirements for faculty wishing to teach at Germanna Community College. It complies with Section 3.4.0.5.2 as well as 3.4.1.1 of the VCCS Policy Manual; SACS requirements; expectations in the college’s Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP), and Section 4.6 of the Germanna Faculty Handbook.

Online course development, teaching of online courses, or teaching face-to- face classes with computer technology assistance require a different set of skills and understanding of pedagogy than teaching traditional face-to- face courses, including the ability for successful communication and interaction among students and faculty.

1.1. Effective January 3, 2022, Faculty Employment Contracts will include a Special Condition statement that all currently hired or new faculty must be proficient in LMS course delivery and complete the training defined by Germanna Community College as listed in 2.0 of this policy. Proficiency may be obtained by completing the training as determined by GCC or the third party’s training recognized by GCC.

1.2 Continuous improvement of skills to teach online, hyflex, or hybrid courses Faculty members who have not taught an online or hyflex/hybrid course within the past 18 months will demonstrate their application of current pedagogical knowledge and technology skills by successfully completing the required pedagogical training and LMS training, and by submitting a fully developed online course for review. Professional development options include the QM™ workshops, workshops organized and offered by Innovative Instruction and Technology (IIT) and/or Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL). These professional development options should be documented for review by the Dean and should have occurred within an 18-month period prior to teaching online.

Faculty who regularly teach online or in hyflex/hybrid courses should continue to improve knowledge and skills by routinely participating in ongoing professional development opportunities in online teaching and learning and technology skills. Professional development options include QM™ workshops, workshops organized and offered by IIT, and the CTL relevant to online instruction, attendance at related conferences, or completion of other coursework or training connected to teaching and learning. These activities should be documented for the Dean’s review upon request.

Faculty with active teaching contracts are expected to participate in professional development opportunities in online teaching and learning and technology skills according to the following guidelines:

• At least one training dedicated to online learning and pedagogy within one academic year
• At least one training on use of the learning management system or any new educational technology for use in teaching and learning within one academic year

All polysynchronous courses (online-synchronous, online-asynchronous, hybrid, hyflex) will adhere to course design and delivery guidelines and requirements as outlined in the Online Course Evaluation Rubric. Faculty whose course is identified through any course review process, e.g. regular evaluations, QM, student-initiated review, as “does not meet expectations” either for course design or for quality of delivery will be asked by the Dean and/or Department Chair to complete additional professional development and to submit revisions to the online course for review. Renewal of approval to teach online shall be based on course review and completion of additional professional development as required by the Dean.

Each new and continuing faculty member will be advised that his or her employment with Germanna Community College is contingent on the fulfillment of this policy. It is understood that successful participation in the training defined by GCC requires basic knowledge of the Learning Management System (such as Canvas).

2.1 New Faculty – New faculty will have one year (from hire date) to meet this requirement. This requirement can be met by completing the current learning management system training course, e.g. Growing with Canvas, and the current iteration of the online teaching preparation course, e.g. Transforming Digital Learning (TOP). Continued employment at Germanna will be contingent on fulfillment of this and any other applicable requirements. Any exceptions to this policy must be approved by the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Workforce Development.

Options to meet Germanna’s Distance Learning Training Requirements as a newly hired instructor:

• Completion of the VCCS/Germanna required training
• Growing with Canvas
• Transforming Digital Learning (TOP)
• Regular and Substantive Interaction Course
• Completion of the related training by another higher education institution. For this option, the faculty will provide a certificate or letter of completion and course outline or syllabus to their supervising Dean. The Dean, along with appropriate staff, will review the documentation to ensure that the outcomes of the Germanna requirements.

2.2 Continuing Faculty – Options to meet Germanna’s Distance Learning Training Requirements as a continuing instructor:

• Recertification of any VCCS/Germanna required training
• Growing with Canvas
• Transforming Digital Learning (TOP)
• Regular and Substantive Interaction Course
• Completion of the related training by another higher education institution. For this option, the faulty will provide a certificate or letter of completion and course outline or syllabus to their supervising Dean. The Dean, along with appropriate staff, will review the documentation to ensure that the outcomes of the Germanna requirements. Completion of certification or related training by recognized third parties, such as QM.

2.3 Process for Verification

2.3.1 The supervising Dean will submit verification that the online requirement was met and enclose all applicable documentation to Human Resources to be placed in the faculty member’s file.

2.3.2 An Instructional Designer will keep and maintain the updated records that the faculty have met requirements.

The Vice President for Academic Affairs and Workforce Development shall be responsible for maintaining procedures as part of the Faculty Handbook and in compliance with applicable policies and procedures of the college, Virginia Community College System, and the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Course Design and Delivery Subcommittee, Chair

Cabinet – 08/16/21
Faculty Senate – 09/17/21
Department Chairs – 09/10/21
College Council – NA
Leadership Council – 08/26/21
First Reading – Date – 08/26/21