How do online faculty stay ahead of the ever-evolving educational landscape? In today’s fast-paced educational environment, continuous professional development is crucial for online instructors seeking to stay current with emerging teaching strategies, technologies and student expectations. One faculty member, Wenlu McIntosh, shares her experience with eCampus Faculty Development, offering insights into the support, growth and sense of community these programs provide.
Discovering eCampus Faculty Development
After returning to online teaching after several years away, Wenlu received an email from Karen Krier, the online course technologist for the Department of Management’s online programs, introducing eCampus Faculty Development. In the email, Krier provided semester updates and highlighted several programs that might be of interest. Wenlu saw the email as an opportunity to explore available training and support to refresh her teaching practices.
After the initial email, Wenlu jumped right into the eCampus Faculty Development courses in the fall of 2024. She recognized that faculty competencies and student expectations have changed over the years and understood the importance of staying up-to-date with the latest teaching practices.
The reputation of eCampus Faculty Development and the Center for Teaching and Learning for offering practical, relevant courses was a significant draw.
Favorite faculty development activities
Wenlu found that the online webinars and asynchronous seminars offered by eCampus Faculty Development were particularly beneficial. These events not only provided valuable insights into teaching practices but also fostered an opportunity for faculty across the campus to connect and learn from one another. These sessions allowed her to interact with other faculty members, exchange ideas and discover new methods for improving their own teaching.
Teaching online can be isolating, with limited opportunities for the social interaction that in-person classes offer. The webinars and seminars helped bridge that gap by creating a sense of community and connection. Wenlu noted that, for many faculty members working remotely, these events foster a sense of belonging and provide the support needed to stay motivated and engaged.
These professional development opportunities also provided an informal mentorship network. Experienced faculty members shared their expertise, offering practical examples and guidance. This collaborative approach provides faculty opportunities to learn from one another, adapt best practices, and continue refining their teaching methods.
The benefits of faculty development for educators and students
Wenlu describes the most significant benefit of participating in faculty development activities as the opportunity to connect with a learning community of fellow educators. This community offers mentorship and peer review, both of which are valuable for refining teaching practices. As a result, she has been able to incorporate new knowledge and strategies into her teaching to better serve students and the wider academic community.
Moreover, Wenlu has been encouraged by receiving certificates as she completes each faculty development course. Each certificate serves as a form of reward and recognition of her work and contribution toward improving her teaching practice. The certificates also serve as a motivation to continue learning from and with other participants to make continuous improvements. For Wenlu, they serve as a tangible reminder of success.
These professional development experiences have also enhanced her ability to recognize and address students’ diverse learning needs. By learning from colleagues and exchanging experiences, Wenlu has become more attuned to the individual differences students bring to the classroom. This awareness has allowed for more inclusive and effective teaching practices, benefiting students both academically and personally.
The collaborative environment in these faculty development activities fosters a growth mindset. Wenlu has learned to embrace creative problem-solving and innovative approaches to teaching, ultimately leading to better student outcomes and a more dynamic classroom experience.
eCampus Faculty Development has proven to be an essential resource for Wenlu, providing opportunities for personal growth, connection and innovation in teaching. Through webinars, seminars and a supportive learning community, faculty members are able to share ideas, solve teaching challenges and refine their practices. These activities not only improve faculty teaching but also contribute to a broader culture of learning and improvement across campus.
By engaging in these professional development opportunities, educators are not only enhancing their own teaching but also supporting the ongoing growth and success of their students.
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Thanks to professor Wenlu McIntosh as well as Anthony Saba and Caitlyn Willig, the eCampus staff who worked with Wenlu to write this article. ChatGPT was used to help revise and edit the original article draft.