FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

General Faculty Frequently Asked Questions

I’m an adjunct instructor teaching online, where can I get help?

Assistance can be provided through the following options: Open Lab,Request Help form, and the Teaching Online: Pedagogy and Practice workshop (TOPP).

I’m a faculty member teaching online, where can I get help?

Assistance can be provided through the following options: Open Lab, Request Help form, and TOPP.

I want to build an online course, what’s the first step?

This first step would be to consult your department chair, then submit your proposal for an eDesign or Course Design Update.

I have never taught online before, where can I learn?

Assistance can be provided through the following options: Open Lab, Request Help form, TOPP, and PD sessions.

How do I get “certified” to teach online?

Register for our TOPP course.

How can I learn more about teaching online?

For assistance, you may submit an Request Help form.

I’ve already built my online course, where can I get help updating it?

TOPP and Open Lab

I’m having trouble in my online course, who can assist me?

For assistance, you may come in for Open Lab or submit an Request Help form.

I have questions about your services, who can I ask?

Send an email to idesign@fau.edu.

What is Quality Matters?

QM is a highly regarded program that encourages and recognizes quality online course design. Courses are externally peer-reviewed based on the QM standards for quality course development.

I’m not computer-savvy, can I still teach online?

Yes! Our team will handle the technology side of preparing your course. Just bring your tacit knowledge, we’ll work with you to take care of the rest.

What do I do if my online students have a problem?

Send an email to Online Programs support at onlineprograms@fau.edu.

What does an Instructional Designer do?

Instructional Designers work with subject matter experts to set up meetings, plan the course layout, collect instructional material, make material accessible and copyright compliant, build assessments, and load it all into Canvas. They consult with you on best practices, research-based instructional solutions, and time-saving tips related to your course.

What does the course development process look like?

Take a look at our visual course development process map.

eDesign Page Information

Why should I do an eDesign?

Receive assistance with course layout for online delivery, save time by having an ID on hand and have your course built meeting national standards.

What do I need to have prepared before development?

Be prepared to provide all existing course material.

What will be expected of me as I work with the Center for Online and Continuing Education?

Availability and willingness to meet (on Davie, Jupiter, Boca Raton campuses or virtually) on a mutually agreed-upon schedule, and willingness to comply with state and federal copyright and accessibility laws.

How do I start an eDesign?

To begin the Course Design Update Process, fill out a proposal form. When your proposal is approved, you will be contacted by the Center for Online and Continuing Education to begin your Course Design Update.

What happens after the course build is complete?

You are always welcome to visit us during Open Lab to receive online teaching support. After teaching your online course for three years, your course is eligible to go through the Course Design Update process.

What happens if I need help after the course build is complete?

You are always welcome to visit us during Open Lab to receive online teaching support.

What’s the difference between an eDesign and CDU?

An eDesign is a course design process starting from scratch. Course Design Updates are designed for previously created courses that are ready to be updated after 3 years of being taught online.

What if I want to build a course that has already been through the eDesign process with someone else?

Open Lab, CDU, Request Help form

Can I meet virtually for eDesign assistance?

We are more than happy to assist you in developing your eDesign virtually. Your Instructional Designer will work with you to accommodate your schedule and meeting preferences.

How much time will building an online course take?

This depends largely on the Subject Matter Expert. If all the lesson material exists, and a weekly meeting schedule is maintained, it is about 4 weeks. However, several factors can impact this time frame: securing copyright permissions, rescheduling meetings, missed meetings, and unforeseen circumstances.

Course Design Update Page Information

What do I need to have prepared before development?

Since the course has been offered and is getting updated, all existing course materials, and consistent availability to record new media.

What will be expected of me as I work with the Center for Online and Continuing Education?

Ability and willingness to schedule weekly meetings with our team. Ability and willingness to work with our media team.

Why should I do a CDU?

Course Design Updates were specifically created to refresh your course content after three years of being taught online. During the Course Design Update process, you will have the opportunity to modify or update your course content, course media, and syllabus and template.

How do I start a CDU?

To begin the Course Design Update Process, fill out a proposal form. When your proposal is approved, you will be contacted by the Center for Online and Continuing Education to begin your Course Design Update.

What happens after the course update is complete?

You are always welcome to visit us during Open Lab to receive online teaching support.

What happens if I need help after the course redesign is complete?

You are always welcome to visit us during Open Lab, Mondays and Fridays from 8am to 5pm on the Boca Raton, Davie, or Jupiter campus, or connect with us virtually.

What’s the difference between an eDesign and CDU?

An eDesign is a course design process starting from scratch. Course Design Updates are designed for previously created courses that are ready to be updated after 3 years of being taught online.

Can I meet virtually for CDU assistance?

We are more than happy to assist you in developing your Course Design Update virtually. Your Instructional Designer will work with you to accommodate your schedule and meeting preferences.

Open Lab Information

When is Open Lab offered?

Open Lab is offered Fridays from 8am to 5pm. Open Lab is available on the Boca Raton, and Davie campuses as well as virtually.

Which services are offered during Open Lab?

Instructional design consultation, media consultation, media recording

Can I meet virtually for Open Lab assistance?

Absolutely. Please submit our Open Lab form.

Academic Continuity Course Build

What is an ACCB?

Academic Continuity Course Build (ACCB) is a process for creating temporary remote courses to facilitate the continuation of instruction during the COVID-19 disruption to face-to-face instructional delivery.

What is the stipend associated with an ACCB build?

A $250 stipend will be paid based on meeting the ACCB quality review standards. (Based on Quality Matters course review standards.)

Do I need to keep teaching the course online after delivering it in the summer?

There is no expectation of ongoing online course delivery associated with ACCB faculty assistance.

What is the time commitment for ACCBs?

In general, 1-3 hours will be the average instructor time commitment. Times will vary based on the complexity of the course.

Why do an ACCB instead of an eDesign?

Unlike the development of a fully online course, ACCB provides an accelerated timeline for basics-only faculty assistance to ensure that students have the tools and information they need to be successful in their online courses.