Office of Educational Outreach > Techincal Faculty Development

Technology-Based Instruction/POET Program

In 2009, the office of education outreach published the Proficient On-Line Educator Training Program (POET).  This program was developed to assist Thiel College faculty with the following activites:

• Understanding the on-line teaching and learning environment
• Managing the various challenges posed exclusively in the on-line classroom
• Developing technology-based courses while maintaining learning outcomes and academic rigor
• Using the plethora of technological innovations in the on-line educational environment
• Employing effective pedagogy to appeal to the various types of learners encountered in the on-line environment

The POET program is a fully asynchronous learning opportunity for faculty, to hone their on-line and other technology-based teaching and facilitation skills.  The program offers a printed or on-line study guide along with an asynchronous learning program which is divided into a series of modules. 

Program modules include information on the history of distance education, fair use and copyright issues, course design and navigability, on-line discussions, course management, the challenges of on-line education, designing effective assessments, course communication and other areas pertinent to the on-line learning environment.

Members of faculty who complete the POET program are awarded a certificate as a proficient on-line educator and a stipend from the office of educational outreach.

This program is available to full-time and adjunct faculty members who have filed, or intend to file, a Course Modification for Summer School Distance Delivery form to the Curriculum Study Committee, with an intent to teach an on-line course at Thiel College.