The PA Department of Education recently released a set of guidelines based on the iNACOL (International Association for K-12 Online Learning) standards for quality online teaching in which higher learning institutions can apply to provide to their candidates. Saint Vincent College is one of the first institutions of higher learning in the State to be approved to offer this endorsement program. The program provides the training to effectively teach online using Google, multiple learning management platforms, Zoom and other synchronous tools, asynchronous techniques, interactives, module-based designs, and much more. This certification will be versatile for current trends in online learning used in today's and tomorrow's classrooms.
In order to keep the program small and to model best practices, only 15 students will be accepted. The program will begin enrollment for Fall. These courses can count for the required 24 post-graduation credits addressing the PA Department of Education level II certificate criteria and for Act 48 renewal. For more information and to enroll, please contact the Office of Graduate and Continuing Education, gradadmission@stvincent.edu, 724-805-2933.
Having an endorsement in online instruction will provide opportunities for advancement in online learning, training and technology leadership within academic settings from preschool to higher education. The Saint Vincent program is unique in that it incorporates technologies and skills that are transferrable to any future setting. Beyond the desktop and mobile device delivery, the education department also trains candidates in makerspace learning, telepresence robotics, and more. This certification will prepare you for teaching using face-to-face, synchronous, asynchronous, blended/hybrid, and hyflex.
The following four courses can be taken completely hybrid-online (requiring no on-site meetings) in one year:
GCIT 614 Emergent Information Management and Instructional Technologies
GCIT 624 Usability, Engagement and Assessment Systems for Online Education
GCED 625 Instructional Technology
GCIT 684 Advanced Instructional Design for Online Education