Penn State has many modes of teaching to allow for student and faculty flexibility in delivering high quality learning. To support instructors teaching in the online synchronous environment, we have a new module for teaching in the online synchronous mode available. Level 3 of the Teaching Online Program (TOP) has a new specialized module on teaching in the online synchronous environment. This new module in Level 3 builds on the basics covered in the Level 1  and Level 2 Online Synchronous modules.

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 previously added a module in levels 1 and 2 related to teaching in the online synchronous environment. We have recently completed the level 3 module.

Participants are not required to complete all of the modules in level 3 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 3 of the program, they are encouraged to do so. Participants can earn a specific badge for completion of any of the Online Synchronous modules.

The Online Synchronous Level 3 features interviews with two faculty members. A special thanks to Dr. Theresa Clemente, Assistant Teaching Professor of Business at Penn State Wilkes-Barre, and Dr. Jason Bennett, Associate Teaching Professor of Chemistry at Penn State Behrend. The module has several topic areas:

• Immersive Experiences (such as VR and examples of faculty using VR in this mode of teaching)
• Flexible teaching methods to use in this mode of teaching (such as flipped classroom, blended learning, and simulive teaching)
• How to make the most of advanced Zoom features to promote student engagement and facilitate student presentations during live Zoom classes

The module asks participants to submit one assignment – a guided notes sheet that the participants use to summarize and reflect on the teaching strategies presented in the module and which might be incorporated in teaching practice.

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