Programs and Events

If you are designing or redesigning an online course that you plan to teach in the next year or two, consider registering for one of our courses or workshops to explore and implement research-based online course design and teaching best practices.

Collaborate with UMass Amherst lecturers and instructional designers through online modules and synchronous sessions focused on designing and teaching online courses.

IDEAS also frequently holds workshops on Canvas, accessibility, and more. Check out our events page to see what's coming up! 

The IDEAS team offers and supports multiple grants and fellowships for educators seeking to improve their teaching and learning through the innovative use of teaching technologies. Some of these grants are offered in collaboration with campus partners such as The Libraries and The Center for Teaching and Learning. Check here often to find information about these opportunities and the eligibility criteria. 

During the Fall 2023 semester, the IDEAS team will be facilitating the next 6-week Essentials of Online Teaching - The Canvas Edition course. This opportunity is open to any UMass instructor interested in: learning how to develop and teach effective online courses, using teaching technologies meaningfully, and receiving personalized support in the process of designing their online courses. It focuses on five essential components: 

• Foundations of online teaching 
• Structure and Design 
• Assessment
• Engagement
• Communication

Through reading and exploring resources, engaging in learning activities, and collaborating with their colleagues, participants will develop strategies for using resources and technologies to enhance their online courses. Each week, instructors will put these strategies into practice and build out a different aspect of their course, receiving feedback from their colleagues and course facilitators. Participants who fulfill all course requirements will receive a Certificate of Completion and their department head will be notified. 

Participants can expect to spend about 3-5 hours per learning module (approximately 20-25 hours over 6 weeks). Additionally, there are 6 required synchronous Zoom sessions.

The next course will run from October 4 - November 8, with synchronous Zoom sessions will being held on Wednesdays, from 11:00am-12:00pm EST.  Registration for the course is now open. 

New to online teaching at UMass? 

On an on-going basis, the IDEAS Team offers the self-paced Introduction to Online Teaching Course. The course guides instructors in setting up their online course and the basics of teaching an effective online course. 

Participants can expect to spend about 1-3 hours per learning module (approximately 7-10 hours across all learning modules). 

The next courses will open in January 2024 with registration beginning in December 2023. Please check back for more details and registration information. 

The IDEAS team is happy to announce the upcoming Teach-Tech-Talks (TTT) workshop series! The goal of TTT is to create a community of practice where educators with varying degrees of experience can come together to learn about leveraging technology in their teaching. We welcome all instructors interested in hearing from innovative educators around our campus. 

IDEAS will host monthly flex meetings, where one expert will present, followed by a Q&A session and a group discussion. Participants can join remotely via Zoom or in-person. Food will be provided for in-person attendees! Please find registration for the next event below.

The IDEAS team also hosts a series of interactive workshops focusing on Engagement in courses taught online. Participants  develop strategies for using resources and technologies to increase the levels of student engagement and participation in their courses. 

Check out the events page to view and register for upcoming IDEAS workshops.