Getting Started Teaching Online

Self-Guided Course Design and Development

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February 5, 2026

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Jennifer Parker

Overview

This post guides UConn faculty in designing, building, and teaching online and hybrid courses. Please see UConn Registrar’s Course Modalities for a complete explanation of each instructional approach.

The phases outlined are intended for faculty with a strong background in teaching and pedagogy who are already comfortable using HuskyCT.  To learn more about the skills and knowledge needed, see UConn Competencies for Online and Hybrid Instruction.

We encourage faculty who prefer a more guided support model to review the phases outlined in this site and then contact eCampus to work with one of our staff members.

Human symbol with arms extended to indicate universal design of learningThis icon indicates information related to accessibility and universal design of learning.

Symbol of half human brain and half electronic wire branches with letters AI indicating an Artificial Intelligence tip.This icon indicates information related to Artificial Intelligence use in course design.

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Meeting Regular and Substantive Interaction (RSI) Requirements

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February 5, 2025

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Eileen Stuyniski

Overview

This article provides examples for meeting the federal requirement for online or distance learning courses to “support regular and substantive interaction (RSI) between the students and the instructor, synchronously or asynchronously” (Downs, 2021).

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Managing Your Online Course

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July 23, 2025

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Kelsey Keefe

Overview

The Course Facilitation Plan (CFP) outlines the key steps to take before, during, and after your course implementation, presented in the recurring course life-cycle, as well as recognizing the four roles of an online instructor. Download a copy of the file to create your own customized version.

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Authentication of Students in Online Courses

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July 21, 2025

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Kelsey Keefe

Overview

The purpose of this article is to guide the University community as faculty seek methods of verifying student identity in distance learning and online courses. These guidelines were designed to meet NECHE accreditation standard 4.48 and federal requirements under Sec. 602.17(g)of the Higher Education Act of 1965. Additionally, these guidelines are designed to meet Department of Homeland Security requirements for international students in online and remote learning environments.

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Syllabus Template for Online Courses

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September 29, 2025

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Kelsey Keefe

Overview

eCampus offers a syllabus template for instructors teaching online, which meets accessibility requirements for online courses. This post describes how to download and use the template to create your syllabus.

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Competencies for Online and Hybrid/Blended Instruction

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June 12, 2025

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Jennifer Parker

Overview

What skills does an instructor need to succeed with an online or hybrid course? The UConn Competencies for Online and Hybrid/Blended Instruction survey includes 27 competencies to inform and facilitate self-assessment. The second edition takes into account developments in higher education since the COVID pandemic.

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Faculty Resources for Teaching Online at UConn

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July 18, 2025

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Kelsey Keefe

Overview

This post is a resource for faculty teaching online graduate and certificate programs as well as the various staff and administrators who support these programs. It is intended to provide information and guidance around roles and procedures that will help faculty be most effective in preparing to design, develop, and teach online.

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Best Practices and Expectations for Online Teaching at UConn

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July 16, 2025

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Kelsey Keefe

Overview

Teaching in an online environment is different from teaching in a face-to-face classroom. This post covers some best practices and expectations for online teaching at UConn.

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