TA Web Certification Program
The TA Web Certification Program was developed in the spring of 1999 as a collaboration between the Office of Information Technology (OIT), Academic and Distributed Computing Services, OIT, the Digital Media Center, OIT, the Center for Teaching and Learning, and the University Libraries. Since then, over 500 TAs from 110 different departments have participated, and the program has been a prototype for programs at other institutions, including Stanford University, Kent State, and the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Who
The program is offered to University teaching assistants (TAs) for noncredit through ADCS, and to anyone in the campus community for credit through the School of Nursing as Nurs 5113: Web-based Teaching/Learning Strategies.
What
In a hybrid environment (combining face-to-face and online activities) participants learn pedagogical, technological, and design skills, including how to:
- engage research-proven principles to guide instructional planning;
- design pedagogically effective and usable course Web sites;
- create Web pages with Macromedia Dreamweaver software;
- create and manage Web-based learning activities and materials with WebVista course management software;
- create Web graphics with Adobe Photoshop software;
- use computer-mediated communication in a course;
- comply with intellectual property laws and University publishing policies; and
- evaluate the effectiveness of educational technology strategies.
Why
Each TA must have his or her faculty sponsor sign an approval form to participate in the program. By participating, graduate students gain a set of skills that is applicable to their work as TAs and contributes to their professional development. They are encouraged to work on their own course materials throughout the sessions and to develop robust course sites that meet their teaching needs. The program also represents a unique opportunity to discuss teaching and support issues within a multidisciplinary context. Upon successfully completing the program, each participant receives a document certifying his or her TEL and course site development skills, and OIT provides to his or her department a copy of Dreamweaver software.
How
During the academic year this 12-week program meets once a week for 2 hours. The for-credit version is offered in the spring and follows the traditional semester schedule.
When
Registration starts at the beginning of each term.
