Teaching Online @ Longwood

Longwood University and the DEC are committed to providing consistent and high quality instruction in various learning formats, including online and hybrid courses. At Longwood University, online and hybrid courses are natural extensions of face-to-face, campus-based instruction. 

In an online course, 100% of the course takes place online through distance learning technologies, such as the Canvas Learning Management System. Traditional face-to-face class meetings between faculty and students are eliminated in an online course. Online courses can be asynchronous (not requiring any virtual meetings or class sessions) or synchronous (requiring some virtual meetings or class sessions). Online courses offer faculty opportunities to utilize different technologies and address student engagement and learning styles in unique ways. Often, online courses are asynchronous with more emphasis placed on using the Learning Management System. 

In a hybrid course, at least 50% but less than 100% of the course takes place online through distance learning technologies, such as the Canvas Learning Management System. Traditional face-to-face, physical class meetings between faculty and students are reduced, but not eliminated in a hybrid course. Within a hybrid course, some content is offered using an asynchronous mode while other portions of the content are delivered through synchronous methods.

A web-enhanced course is a course where traditional face-to-face class meetings still take place, but course content, supplemental materials, assignments, quizzes, course communications, etc. may be accessed online through distance learning technologies.  

The DEC believes quality teaching can happen in any course modality, but online, hybrid, and even web-enhanced courses require intentional planning and detailed course design. The DEC offers training, resources, and technical support for faculty to enhance their skills and knowledge to provide effective instruction through the use of technology to enhance teaching and learning. 

All faculty must successfully complete LOTI training prior to teaching online and/or hybrid courses. The Longwood Online Technology Institute is an online course designed to familiarize faculty with the Canvas LMS, course design, and various University licensed technologies. 

Once a faculty member has successfully completed LOTI and taught online at least one semester, their course will undergo an in-house course review. The course review is a peer-review process that promotes a high quality of online and hybrid course design. 

To learn more about LOTI and Course Review, please use the links in the navigation menu to the right.