Have you been looking for ways to amp up your teaching strategies for the online synchronous classroom? We have a new module for teaching in the online synchronous mode available. Level 2 of the Teaching Online Program (TOP) has a new specialized module on teaching in the online synchronous environment. This new module in Level 2 builds on the basics covered in the Level 1 Online Synchronous module.

The Teaching Online Program is a series of fully asynchronous courses. Each level consists of four modules: Canvas, Multimedia Tools and Techniques, Design and Development, and Best Practices in Teaching Online. In responding to instructor feedback and Penn State’s designation of several new modes of teaching online, we added a module in level 1 related to teaching in the online synchronous environment. We have recently completed the level 2 module.

Participants are not required to complete all of the modules in level 2 in order to complete the newest online synchronous module. If an instructor would like to jump into the Teaching Online Program and complete only this module within level 2 of the program, they are encouraged to do so. Participants can earn a specific badge for completion of the Level 2 Online Synchronous module.

The Online Synchronous Level 2 features interviews with two faculty members who teach in this mode. A special thanks to Roxanne Atterholt, an Associate Teaching Professor of Human Development and Family studies at the Shenango campus, and Sonia Molloy, an Associate Professor of Human Development and Family studies at the York campus. The module has several topic areas:

• community building
• using whiteboards for collaborative activities
• remote guest speakers
• webcam considerations
• assessment and proctoring considerations
• space and technology
• using technology in a mixed mode course

The module asks participants to submit two assignments. One is focused on planning an interactive activity for the synchronous classroom and the other is focused on considering expectations for student webcam use.

For more information about each level and to self-enroll, please visit: www.top.psu.edu.