University of Central Florida

Teaching Online

Professional Development

Essentials

Essentials is a self-paced faculty development workshop designed to ensure you possess the foundational knowledge required to develop and deliver a web-enhanced course. "Web-enhanced" courses utilize the Internet to enhance the face-to-face class meetings. These courses do not change the number of face-to-face class sessions (such as W and M courses).

Essentials has four main purposes:

  • Introduce UCF's online course policies and procedures.
  • Teach faculty the essential skills needed to set-up and deliver a"web-enhanced" course using Webcourses@UCF
  • Provide a safe environment for faculty to practice these skills.
  • Allow faculty to demonstrate when they have mastered these skills.

Why do I need to take Essentials?

If you want to acquire a "Web-Enhanced" course (i.e. a Webcourses@UCF course section), you must successfully pass Essentials. Faculty who complete Essentials will have an understanding of UCF's policy regarding online learning and will be able to independently complete basic tasks within their Webcourses@UCF course section.

  • If you understand UCF policy regarding online learning and posses the Fundamental Skills , you simply need to complete the quiz and lab at the end of this online faculty development course. Your account will then be created.
  • If you do not understand UCF policy regarding online learning and possess the Fundamental Skills, read through the modules and complete practice activities that simulate the steps taken in a course. Your account will then be created.

Who can take Essentials?

Any UCF faculty, staff, or teaching assistants (however, TA's cannot request Webcourses@UCF course section unless they are the instructor of record).

How to Begin Essentials

Send an e-mail to cdwsaid@mail.ucf.edu and ask to take Essentials.  Please give us you name and NID (Network ID).  Once you are entered into the course, you will receive an e-mail providing your access information.