Over the summer, Drs. Alison Simons and Eddy Lynton completed the Fundamentals of Online Teaching (FOOT) certification course.  The two Assistant Professors joined the Dean of the School of Natural and Social Science, Ricardo Rodriguez, and faculty from other disciplines to study how to design, develop, and facilitate student-centered hybrid and online courses that engage students and stimulate asynchronous interaction. Simons, Lynton, and Rodriguez learned about online pedagogy by completing hands-on activities, and each has committed to incorporating a new strategy in their upcoming hybrid/online courses.

Simons and Lynton will use wikis in their fall courses, and Dr. Rodriguez will meet with students in real-time using an online conferencing tool to help them solve chemistry problems. FOOT is designed and implemented by the Center for Teaching and Learning as part of the University's commitment to quality education for students.  Certification of online and hybrid educators is also part of the University’s continuous compliance with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges accreditation.