Teaching Resources
We’re committed to the growth and success of Arizona Online programs — your programs. And that means that within our service model of support for faculty and staff, we offer resources that address the nuances and challenges of post-tradition education. From course design consultations and technology training to strategies for student engagement and accessibility, we’re here to ensure you feel confident, connected and supported every step of the way.
Welcome, Instructors!
Vice Provost of Arizona Online Caleb Simmons, Ph.D., shares the heart behind our mission: to deliver flexible, high-quality learning experiences to students from all walks of life. As instructors, you play a vital role in this mission. Arizona Online learners come from diverse backgrounds, often balancing work, family and other responsibilities alongside their education. Your teaching not only reaches across time zones and zip codes, it reaches lives, offering opportunity, encouragement and a path forward.
Defining the Arizona Online Student
To assist instructors in navigating the post-tradition classroom successfully, it’s critical to understand who our Arizona Online students are and how they differ from traditional on-campus learners. Not only is their average age older (29 years), but their day-to-day lives often include different complexities and commitments:
- 51% – married or in a domestic partnership
- 42% – tend to children at home
- 14% – caretakers to elders at home
- 25% – work 30-40 hours weekly
- 37% – work more than 40 hours weekly
- 21% – military affiliated
62% – find balancing academics with other work and life commitments challenging
Tips & Best Practices
Teaching for Arizona Online comes with its own set of opportunities and challenges — and we’re here to support you through it all. We’ve compiled this useful guide to assist faculty and staff in getting the most engagement out of the post-traditional learning environment. It offers guidance on effective communication, building community, crafting assessments and more. Whether you're refining your course or a first-time instructor, these tips are designed to help you create a meaningful learning experience for students.
UCATT
We collaborate closely with the University Center for Assessment, Teaching and Technology (UCATT) to provide instructors with everything they need to develop and execute online courses to their highest potential. As part of their mission to build capacity for excellence in teaching in all modalities, UCATT offers a robust package of resources.
Customized Consultations
As an instructor, you can schedule a one-time consultation or a series of meetings with UCATT to find ways to enhance your teaching practices.