Course Overview!

Ball State University's online Add-on License or Graduate Certificate in Virtual and Distance Education Teaching program equips educators with the skills and knowledge to effectively design, deliver, and assess instruction in virtual and distance learning environments for K-12 students. This program is designed to address the growing need for effective virtual teaching skills and is particularly relevant for teachers who have transitioned to online instruction. The curriculum focuses on engaging learners through various modalities—asynchronous, synchronous, and blended—while considering diverse learning needs and incorporating principles of diversity, equity, and universal design. The program emphasizes the practical application of instructional design and technology, exploring strategies for meaningful engagement and assessment in virtual classrooms. Students will enhance their understanding of best practices for virtual instruction and address the Virtual Instruction Educator Standards. This program is entirely online, making it accessible to educators across geographical locations.

Course Structure

The program comprises three 3-credit graduate-level courses: EDTE 660 Instructional Design and Technology, EDTE 675 Virtual, Distance and Blended Education, and EDTE 685 Information Systems for Instruction and Assessment. These courses are uniquely designed but share common themes related to virtual education, including cross-cutting topics such as diversity, equity, and universal design principles. The curriculum focuses on three core aspects of virtual instruction: planning, instruction, and assessment, ensuring a well-rounded educational experience for students wishing to advance their skills in teaching within virtual environments. Each course presents unique content, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of online instruction and application.