Faculty Resources

Teaching Online

Teaching USU Online courses is different than teaching a class in person. Here are the things you need to know about teaching an online course.

Scheduling

Online courses are scheduled through the Academic Scheduling Office. Considerations for offering online courses include:

  • Has the course been approved by the department head for online development and delivery?
  • Will the course use previously developed content (e.g. Master/Template)?
  • The course is intended for students everywhere. (e.g. not location specific)
  • The course fullfills requirements for a fully online program or general education.
  • The course has appeal to students at Statewide Campuses and/or Out-of-State.

To Schedule an Online Course

  1. Discuss the course delivery options with the appropriate academic department head.
  2. The department head or department scheduler submits the course request to scheduling through Course Dog.
  3. The course is added to Banner and a Canvas shell is created.
  4. The course textbook/material information must be submitted to the bookstore before the course will be opened for registration.

Getting Started

Follow the steps below to make sure that your online course is set up and ready to go.

  1. Plan time for Course Development.
  2. Access your online course through USU Canvas.
  3. Prepare your course content. Options include:
  4. Complete the Online Teaching Orientation.
  5. Review information about online proctoring and implementing academic integrity.
  6. Review the USU Online Course Quality standards. 

For additional help view Canvas Tutorials or contact the Center for Innovative Design and Instruction. Instructional designers are available for consultation.

Tips for Online Instructors

  1. Communicate regularly with your students.
  2. Respond to questions within 24 hours.
  3. Keep your content, links, and course dates up to date.
  4. Publish your course before the term begins.
  5. Organize your content into an easy-to-follow navigation.
  6. Engage in Regular and Substantiative interaction with students. 
  7. Provide short recorded presentations and other video content to highlight key points.

Student Support

The following new student support services are now available. Visit the links below to implement these tools into your online course:

  1. Tutor.com — Expert tutors available around the clock to meet students at their point of need. There are over 250 subjects available, plus essay review and soft-skill training. 
  2. Readiness Videos — These include getting started steps for new students, links to resources, and videos to introduce students to online learning. 

For students who need additional help beyond your course, refer them to the Student Academic Support resources.

Funding

Online courses are funded through the academic department's general fund. Instructors teach online courses as part of load or as temporary Extra-Service Compensation. Contact your department if there are questions about your payment for teaching an online course.

Requests for online course development funding will be reviewed each term.

Additional Faculty Resources for USU Online Courses and Programs