About the Certificate
New technology tools, new ways to connect with students, new instructional formats… with all of the adjustments and adaptations you make for your E-Learning classroom, it can feel like you’re a new teacher again. The Effective Teaching in PK-12 E-Learning Environments certificate supports PK-12 educators navigating the challenges of teaching and learning in hybrid and online classrooms.
With a focus on E-Learning instruction that meets PK-12 student needs and interests, this certificate provides teachers with practice-based experience in designing and delivering online learning that is responsive to student context, diversity and learning needs.
What You'll Learn
The Effective Teaching in PK-12 E-Learning Environments certificate applies learning sciences principles to explore E-Learning instructional design, technology tools, and teaching techniques to create and implement engaging instruction in E-Learning environments.
Within a supportive, solution-centered community of practice, you will:
- Design learner-centered experiences using digital tools across all modalities of class environments.
- Define a Problem of Practice and apply strategies for teaching effectively in learning environments.
- Plan, design, and evaluate digital resources for teaching, learning, and assessment in educational settings.
- Reflect on the principles and practices of effective E-Learning in order to implement E-Learning plans in PK-12 contexts.
Where Can I Apply the Course Credit?
Teachers who successfully complete E-Learning certificate courses may apply (up to 11 semester hours) toward degree credit in one of the following programs:
- M.Ed. or Ed.S. in Curriculum and Instruction with Advanced Professional Specializations
- M.Ed. or Ed.S. in Learning Sciences Education
Program Format and Course Information
This five-course, 11 semester hour (SH) certificate program is delivered online and includes the following courses, which may be taken together or individually:
- LSE 595A (1SH) Special Topics in Learning Sciences: Effective Teaching in E-Learning Environments
This course helps PK-12 teachers design courses, lesson plans and other learning experiences that include remote learning and other technology-based elements based on existing resources. The course introduces ISTE Standards for students as a frame of reference for studying their own students’ developmental levels in educational uses of technology for learning. The course facilitates teacher development of a defined Problem of Practice describing their own learning environment, student characteristics, and school-based technology resources, accentuating strategies for teaching effectively in low-resource, high needs environments. With NLU faculty support, teachers produce a personalized teaching and-learning plan to optimize student learning in challenging circumstances. LSE 595A must be completed as the first course in the certificate.
- LSE 595B (2SH) Special Topics in Learning Sciences: Instructional Strategies for Teaching in E-Learning Environments
This course prepares participants for teaching and learning in E-environments with a focus on instructional strategies. Topics include: principles of effective online instruction, planning for E-Learning, selecting digital tools, and engaging students and families. Participants will describe their own learning environment, student characteristics, and school-based technology resources, and define a Problem of Instructional Practice related to remote or E-Learning. The culminating project is a personalized teaching-and-learning plan that optimizes student E-Learning.
- TIE 525 (3SH) Designing Digital Age Learning Environments
This course is about understanding digitally-mediated 21st century learning environments and how to effectively design learner-centered experiences using digital tools and contexts. Candidates will consider digital tools and frameworks of various modes of learning, including blended and online learning, digital games, simulations, mobile technologies and augmented reality. Building upon their knowledge of instructional technologies, teaching and learning, candidates will be engaged and challenged to design activities using digital media and digital environments.
- LSE 595C (2SH) Effective Teaching in E-Learning Environments
LSE 595C is the culminating course in the E-Learning certificate. As a capstone experience, the course provides a platform for candidates to integrate work across earlier courses in the certificate sequence and engage in a final reflection on the principles and practices of effective E-Learning and the process of implementing E-Learning plans in P-12 contexts. LSE 595C must be completed as the final course in the certificate.
Complete one of the following:
- TIE 542 Digital Tools for Teaching Learning and Assessment (3SH)
In this course candidates plan, design, create and evaluate digital materials, tools and resources for teaching, learning and assessment in educational settings. Topics include the creation and use of resources using web development tools, participation in global online collaborative communities, instructional design of technology-based experiences for effective student learning and engagement, as well as assessment for student learning.
OR
- TIE 532 Visionary Leadership for Digital Learning Contexts (3SH)
This course focuses on technology planning in educational settings. Topics include tools and strategies for effective technology planning for growth and improvement in student learning outcomes. Candidates will conduct all aspects of the planning process, including needs assessment, research, technology procurement, change management, and professional development. Candidates will discuss the issues related to leadership in strategic planning for technology, including developing a shared vision, curriculum planning, change management, program development, and evaluation at the school and district level.
After successfully completing your final course, you will receive a certificate to demonstrate your professional qualification and the credit will appear on your NLU transcript.
Tuition
For more information about the ELearning Certificate, including program details, tuition and fees, and why the program might be right for you, please contact our enrollment team.
Course Schedule
You can begin the certificate any term with LSE 595A.
LSE 595C should be taken as the final course in the certificate.
The balance of the courses may be taken in any order and will be offered every term on a rolling basis.
If you're ready to see when your courses will be offered, visit NLU’s Course Schedule Search to start planning ahead.
Admission and Registration
To register, please complete NLU’s Application.
