About TOP
TOP is part of the Provost Endorsement Program coordinated by The Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost and the Office of the Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs. To learn more, please visit The Provost Endorsement Program to support faculty professional development Penn State news article and the Provost Endorsement Website.
TOP Levels
The Teaching Online Program offers three levels, each comprising four modules: Canvas, Multimedia Tools and Techniques, Design and Development, and Best Practices in Teaching Online. Level 1 is an introduction to online teaching, Level 2 delves into advanced topics, and Level 3 refines online teaching practices. Each module includes a reviewed activity with detailed feedback from an Instructional Designer. Modules are self-paced, allowing you to choose topics and learn at your preferred pace.
Level 1
Time: 6-8 hours
Level 1 is designed for Penn State faculty who are new to online teaching or faculty who wish to refresh on the basics related to teaching online. The course covers the basics of Canvas, the basics of Zoom and Kaltura, Preparation for Course Design and Development, and basics of Best Practices in Teaching Online.
Level 2
Time: 10-12 hours
Level 2 is designed for Penn State faculty who have taught online for at least one year and are looking to improve their online course and teaching. It covers advanced Canvas features, graphic and video design principles, OERs, course mapping, and best practices for inclusive teaching and continuous improvement.
Level 3
Time: 7-10 hours
Level 3 is designed to enhance the skills of faculty with multiple years of online teaching experience. It covers advanced Google Suite and Office 365 integration, diverse media application, OER integration, improved online discussions, and fostering student autonomy, self-reflection, and professionalism.
Online Synchronous
The Teaching Online Program (TOP) includes specialized modules for teaching in an online synchronous environment. The online synchronous environment includes many of the DLC courses and other courses taught using Zoom as the class meeting location.
Instructors can enroll in these modules by enrolling in the corresponding level of TOP. Participants can earn topic badges for completion of these modules. (You are not required to complete the full TOP level to earn the Online Synchronous module badges.)
Level 1
Time: 1-2 hours
Level 1’s Online Synchronous module offers guidance on planning and executing online synchronous sessions, including engagement techniques and class opening and closure strategies.
Level 2
Time: 1-2 hours
Level 3
Time: 1-2 hours
TOP Badges
Upon completion, you’ll receive a digital badge and certificate, which can be displayed publicly and in your Penn State courses.
