New to the field

Are you looking to become an instructional technologist, learning architect, or online instructor but not sure how to get started? Now could be the right time to make a career pivot, as COVID-19 has accelerated the demand for learning experience professionals in organizations, businesses, and schools. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates that job growth for instructional coordinators will be in the area of 11% through 2026. Similarly, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects an 11% employment rate increase for professors, including online instructors, between 2018 and 2028. If you have 0–3 years of experience, our self-paced competency-based courses are the best option. At the end of your pathway, you will receive stackable credentials to help you stand out to employers in whichever setting you choose.

Got some chops

Have you been in the field as an instructional technologist or learning architect but want to get ahead? As a practical next step to getting noticed by your boss or pushing for a promotion, we recommend signing up for our portfolio experience. We’ll help you develop a professional portfolio to showcase your skills and expertise. The portfolio is a personalized deliverable that sets you apart from your peers. If you have 2–5+ years of experience, this is your “edventure.” Through the LX Pathways Portfolio Experience, you’ll have one-on-one contact with highly experienced professionals who can mentor you regarding current trends and provide practical advice. 

Curriculum

The Online Instructor Pathway is comprised of five core competencies that are aligned to relevant content, practice activities, and self-assessments. The competencies are based on the community of inquiry (CoI) model. The CoI model is

Upon completion of all five competencies, iDesign will award you a Fundamentals of Online Teaching Track Completion Certificate, which you can use to enhance your résumé, CV, or professional web presence. A community of inquiry is a “group of individuals who collaboratively engage in purposeful critical discourse and reflection to construct personal meaning and confirm mutual understanding” (Garrison, D. R., Anderson, T., & Archer, W. 2000). We truly hope this pathway will give you the stepping-stones you need to form your own community of inquiry to build supportive online environments.

Garrison, D. R., Anderson, T., & Archer, W. (2000). Critical inquiry in a text-based environment: Computer conferencing in higher education model. The Internet and Higher Education, 2(2-3), 87-105.

Online Instructor Curriculum

Myths of Online Teaching and Learning
Introduction to the Community of Inquiry
Teaching Presence
Social Presence
Cognitive Presence
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