Graduate-Level Distance Learning Certificate
Grand Canyon University’s Graduate Certificate of Completion in Distance Learning can equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary for facilitating impactful remote education.
GCU’s graduate-level certificate programs are shorter than standard graduate degrees, allowing for a highly focused approach to advanced education. This distance learning certificate program can qualify to provide your students with effective remote education.
Learn How to Effectively Teach Remotely With a Distance Learning Certificate
Remote education will surely be a long-lasting trend, but that does not mean it is a perfect replacement for in-person instruction. Distance learning provides its own unique set of advantages and opportunities for both instructor and learner. However, fully benefiting from those advantages require specific skills, interventions and solutions.
Throughout GCU’s graduate-level distance learning certificate program, you will develop foundational knowledge and skills which can be applied specifically to remote and distance learning contexts. Course topics will include:
- Organization and integration of multimedia tools and resources in school curricula
- Instructional purposes and roles of technology and media in learning and teaching
- Processes for selecting and implementing meaningful technologies, virtual tools and other electronic resources
- Development of digital literacies in teaching and learning
- Instructional theories and models in technology education, assessment and instructional technology
- Multimedia instructional strategies and methods for engaging remote learning
- Selection and evaluation of appropriate multimedia resources
- Creation and management of distance learning software and tools for a variety of platforms
- Technology standards for students and teachers
What Is Distance Learning?
Distancing learning is any type of instruction which is performed outside of the traditional faceto- face classroom environment. Distance learning can refer to the remote parts of blended instruction as well as courses which are facilitated entirely online.
This form of instruction is also referred to as online school, remote learning or correspondence school. Remote education options exist at all levels of education from Pre-K to PhD. As the capabilities of educational technology expand and increase, distance learning will become increasingly dynamic and effectual.
Why Choose GCU for Your Distance Learning Graduate Certificate
Grand Canyon University’s graduate certificate in distance learning is distinct from other certificate programs, as it offers the same advanced level of academic rigor as standard graduate degree programs. Courses are taught by the same faculty members who facilitate GCU’s graduate programs in education.
This distance learning certificate program also equips graduates with a unique Christian perspective as it relates to distance learning, examine the application of a biblical worldview within the context of the education discipline. Equip yourself to impact your students. Earn your University’s Graduate Certificate of Completion in Distance Learning from GCU.
Core Courses
Course Description
This course introduces students to technology standards for students and teachers; digital citizenship and responsibility; legal and ethical use guidelines; and transitioning instruction to integrate technology. Technology dispositions, expectations, and guidelines are emphasized. Candidates apply an understanding of design principles in visual communication theory. They incorporate multiple intelligences and constructivist theories into an interactive environment. Attention is given to instructional technology tools and resources.
Course Description
This course focuses on the organization and integration of media in school curricula. Candidates identify instructional purposes and define roles for technology and media in learning and teaching. An emphasis is placed on the processes for selecting and implementing meaningful technologies, virtual tools and other electronic learning resources, and the development of digital literacies in teaching and learning. Practicum/field experience hours: 10. Fingerprint clearance required. Prerequisite: TEC-516.
Course Description
This course focuses on various technology-based assessment tools used for formative and summative assessments. Candidates use tools to make data-driven decisions to drive curriculum and differentiate instruction. The content of this course includes use of digital media for progress monitoring or as assessment tools and creating and using alternative assessments. An emphasis is placed on understanding assistive technology and application in instructional programs and assessment for individuals with exceptionalities. Practicum/Field experience hours: 10. Fingerprint clearance required.
Course Description
This course provides candidates with instructional strategies using learning theories. Focus is on developing knowledge and skills to create multiple types of web-based assignments and units for K-12 students using web authoring software. Candidates learn to select and evaluate appropriate multimedia resources, and examine steps for planning, creating, and managing curriculum using software and tools for a variety of platforms. Emphasis is placed on project-based learning. Practicum/field experience hours: 10. Fingerprint clearance required. Prerequisite: TEC-536.
Course Description
This course expands candidates’ knowledge of lesson preparation and activities, as well as basic curriculum development and design principles for distance education. The course explores distance education and online instruction, including history, theories, and practical applications. A variety of online facilitation techniques are explored in this course. An emphasis is placed on understanding distance education development and delivery, exploring the complexities of designing instruction in various distance contexts and applying these concepts in a real-world context through online facilitation. Practicum/Field experience hours: 10. Fingerprint clearance required.
Course Description
This is the culminating course in the Graduate Certificate of Completion in Distance Learning. Students formalize a technology coaching website and reflect on the application of theories and models in technology education, assessment and instructional technology, and multimedia instructional strategies and methods in preparation for distance learning opportunities. Prerequisite: TEC-541.
Pursue a next-generation education with an online degree from Grand Canyon University. Earn your degree with convenience and flexibility with online courses that let you study anytime, anywhere.
* Please note that this list may contain programs and courses not presently offered, as availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program or course listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability.
* Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Programs or courses subject to change.