Faculty teaching distance education courses at ACC must meet the same credentials as those teaching traditional courses, plus complete specialized training in online instruction.
All distance education instructors must complete the Distance Learning Instruction Series before teaching online. Ongoing professional development in distance education practices is also required.
All distance education courses must meet design standards outlined in the Quality Matters Rubric. Faculty are encouraged to participate in the Online Course Redesign Academy (OCRA) to ensure their courses align with these standards. These requirements ensure high-quality online instruction and student success across all ACC distance education offerings.
Distance Learning Instruction Series
Before teaching any distance education course at ACC, faculty are required to complete the Distance Learning Instruction Series (DLIS)— a foundational training that supports high-quality online instruction and meets SACS and Coordinating Board requirements.
DLIS is organized into four practical modules covering ACC’s distance education framework, online teaching pedagogy, instructional technologies, and accessibility through Universal Design. This training equips instructors with essential strategies, tools, and insights to create engaging, inclusive, and effective online learning experiences.
Online Course Redesign Academy (OCRA) & Quality Matters Rubric (APPQMR)
Austin Community College uses the nationally recognized Quality Matters (QM) Rubric to ensure online and hybrid courses are thoughtfully designed and aligned with best practices in digital learning. Developed by faculty for faculty, QM promotes student success through clear standards and regular course review.
To support this effort, all faculty teaching distance education courses are required to complete QM training, including the Applying the Quality Matters Rubric (APPQMR) workshop. Faculty also have the opportunity to redesign their courses through the Online Course Redesign Academy (OCRA). These trainings not only meet institutional requirements but also provide valuable tools to improve course quality, student engagement, and instructional effectiveness.
Completion List
If you have any questions or need additional support, please contact us at [email protected].
Back to Top