The demand for online courses continues to grow, and we must keep up with the demand. To support faculty in managing large online and accelerated courses, the Center for Online Learning and Teaching Technology (COLTT) offers Academic Coaches. These coaches assist with course management, allowing faculty to focus on teaching.
Requirements
- To qualify for an Academic Coach, faculty must complete two (2) trainings:
- Applying the Quality Matters Rubric Workshop, visit COLTT Faculty Training for dates.
- Online Teaching: Partnering for Success with Academic Coaches
- Teach an online course that meets the enrollment criteria below, a week prior to the start of the term.
- Undergraduate: 60+ enrolled
- Graduate: 45+ enrolled
- Accelerated: Varies, see table below
| Workload and Course Design Type | Minimum Enrollment to Qualify for Coach |
|---|---|
| High Interaction: weekly assignment feedback, weekly discussions, multiple projects/group work | 10 |
| Moderate Interaction: frequent assignment feedback, quizzes, light projects | 10 |
| Low Interaction: weekly discussions, auto-graded work | 15 |
- Submit the Academic Coach Request Form.
Note: The Academic Coach Request form closes two weeks prior to the start of each term and reopens two weeks after the term begins.
Workshop Breakdown
The workshop will share best practices for teaching strategies, learning activities, and effective communication utilizing academic coaches in online courses.
- Module 1: Coaches' Roles and Responsibilities
- Module 2: Managing Large Online Course
- Module 3: Teaching Strategies with Academic Coaches
If interested in completing the self-paced workshop or have any questions regarding the use of Academic Coaches in your course, please contact Toni Saldivar by email at antonia.saldivar01@utrgv.edu or by phone at 956-882-6697.