NC.EDUC-105 - Intro to Online Instruction (IOI) - Chloe McGinley

Introduction

Hello and welcome! Thank you for taking the time to read my Orientation Letter. My name is Chloe, and I am excited to invite you to join me in the IOI course, where we will explore the world of asynchronous teaching and learning together. This course is part of the Center for Excellence in Teaching & Learning (CETL) offerings, and it fulfills a portion of the requirements to become a Certified Online and Hybrid Instructor.

In my role as an online educator and as Associate Dean of Learning Resources and Director of The Learning Center, I am passionate about fostering accessible, equitable, and student-centered learning environments where both students and faculty can thrive. I also enjoy exploring innovative ways to use educational technology to enhance teaching and create meaningful learning experiences.

Watch this short video to learn more about the course.

Course Description

In this course, we will explore key aspects of online teaching and learning, including learning theories for online learners, the characteristics of online students, differences between face-to-face and online instruction, resources for online teaching, best practices for effective online communication, and the design of online assessments.

The course is structured so you can experience the components of a fully online class from both the student and instructor perspectives. Our goal is to equip you with tools and strategies that support an outstanding online learning experience.

Whether you are joining this class with years of teaching experience, or are a brand new college instructor, you are likely to find that many of the practices you have already mastered in your life and work, such as building connections with students, bringing learning to life, and making content relevant to their daily experiences, translate effectively into the online environment.

What to Expect in this Course

In our IOI course, you will engage with a variety of learning activities, including assignments, readings, assessments, group work, and discussions. At the same time, you will begin developing your own online course that you can later use for online or hybrid teaching. One of the unique strengths of this course is that it allows you to have the experience of being a fully online student, an invaluable perspective if this is your first time taking an online class.

Throughout the course, you may feel excited, challenged, overwhelmed, or even frustrated, all of the emotions our students experience in their courses. My hope is that this journey will not only help you grow as a sensitive, empathetic online instructor but also give you insights into how best to support your own students.

Types of Assessments

In this course, you will be enrolled in two separate Canvas courses:

1. The IOI Course is our main course, where you will complete readings, assignments, and discussions as a student.
2. The Sandbox/Development course shell is where you will design and build your own course content.
   • About halfway through the program, your peers will be enrolled in your Sandbox as students, giving them the chance to experience your course and provide constructive feedback.
   • You will also offer feedback on the courses developed  by your colleagues. 

This process is designed to be both practical and collaborative, and I think you will find it challenging and fun!

Textbook Information

All course content is organized into weekly Canvas Modules, with a new module opening every Sunday for the upcoming week. There is no required textbook for this course. Instead, you will find links to the assigned readings and resources directly within each module.

Other Relevant Course Information

My hope is that you find the learning in IOI helpful, practical, and enjoyable, and that you build meaningful connections with both the course content and your fellow classmates. I will be here to support you every step of the way. If you have questions before our class starts, or once it begins, please reach out to me: chloe.mcginley@canyons.edu. I look forward to learning with you, getting to know you better, and supporting your success in this class.

Additional Resources

Canvas

This course can be accessed on the first day of class via Canvas at https://coc.instructure.com. Log into Canvas using your CanyonsID single sign-on:

• CanyonsID Username is your COC student email address (Ex: username@my.canyons.edu)
• CanyonsID Password is your COC student email password

Please visit the Get to Know Your Online Classroom page for help logging into Canvas and for tips on using Canvas and Zoom. Canvas Chat Support is also available 24/7 for any Canvas related issues.

Online Education

Check out the Online Education website for more information on a variety of topics that can help you be a successful online student such as: exam proctoring, learning styles, computer skills, and tips for student success. If this is your first online course, feel free to take our online learning readiness assessment to assess your skills.

The Learning Center (TLC)

The TLC provides FREE online tutoring resources to COC students!

Academic Accommodation Center (AAC)

College of the Canyons AAC provides educational services and access for eligible students with documented disabilities who intend to pursue coursework at COC. A variety of programs and services are available which afford eligible students with disabilities the opportunity to participate fully in all aspects of the college programs and activities through appropriate and reasonable accommodations. For more information on their services visit the Academic Accomodation Center website.

Online Counseling

The Counseling Department offers appointments online. You can schedule an appointment by visiting the Online Counseling website. Counselors can help you map out a plan to reach your educational goals as well as advise you on course selection and registration.

Management of Stress and Mental Health

Often the pressure on our students is very strong, involving academic commitments, relationships, outside jobs and family pressure to name a few. The staff and faculty of College of the Canyons are here to see you succeed academically and care about your emotional and physical health. You can learn more about the broad range of confidential student services, including counseling and mental health services available on campus by visiting the Student Health & Wellness Center in the Student Services Building (across from the bookstore). The phone number is 661-362-3259 that you can call 24/7. You can also e mail for an appointment at StudentHealthCenter@canyons.edu. At the Canyon Country Campus the Health Center will be in the new Student Services Building.

Also, the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline number is now 988. All students at COC are encouraged to enter that phone number in their cells. You can call it when you, or someone you know, is having thoughts of suicide or is in severe distress.

You can also now use the Crisis Text Line: Just text "Courage" to 741741. Someone will get back to you immediately. Its free, 24/7, and confidential.

Veterans Resource Center

The College of the Canyons Veterans Resource Center is a department within the Student Services Division at the college, created to help veterans and veteran dependents with applying to College of the Canyons, enrolling in classes, and requesting VA Education or Vocational Benefits. For more information please visit the Veterans Resource Center website, email veterans@canyons.edu or phone (661) 362-3469.

Library

The Library provides live online and in-person research help, access to a full range of e-resources and physical materials that support the curriculum, individual and group study areas, and much more!

Last updated: 08/26/2025 Sub#: 1970 Sub ID: 200737