Wake Tech has a long-standing commitment to supporting quality online learning and helping both students and faculty succeed in digital learning environments. Since the launch of the college's eLearning Preparedness Initiative across the College (EPIC) program in 2014, Academic Technology and Support Services' work has focused on strengthening online preparedness, building confidence with online learning tools and promoting effective teaching and learning practices.

As online learning continues to be an important part of the Wake Tech experience, the college remains committed to providing the resources, guidance and support needed for success in online courses.

Student preparedness

Wake Tech supports students in building the skills and confidence needed to succeed in online learning. Through online readiness resources and support, students can better understand course expectations, strengthen their digital learning skills and become more comfortable navigating the online learning environment.

These supports help students:

• Understand the expectations of online learning
• Navigate Blackboard and complete coursework successfully
• Communicate effectively with instructors
• Collaborate with classmates in digital learning spaces

Faculty preparedness

Wake Tech also supports faculty in creating effective and engaging online learning experiences. Through professional learning, course development support and online teaching resources, faculty are equipped with strategies and guidance to design courses that promote clarity, engagement and student success.

Faculty support includes the following:

• Online course design and organization
• Effective online teaching strategies
• Student engagement practices
• LMS course readiness
• Quality standards for online learning

Online teaching certification program

Wake Tech policy requires all instructors to complete certification before teaching online. The Academic Technology and Support Services team can support you every step of the way.

During the certification process, you work with E-Learning Support staff to develop confidence with the LMS and accessible digital content and with Instructional Designers to explore effective online teaching and course design practices. Together, these supports help you create an online learning experience that is clear, engaging and centered on student success.

In addition to the required certification program, a certified EPIC Online Teaching faculty member can update an existing online course to achieve exemplary status. The faculty member can work with an instructional designer for a semester and focus on four areas in his or her course:

• Improving instructor presence
• Improving student-to-student engagement
• Improving content engagement
• Increasing equity

The instructional designer will help choose four goals that align with these areas and will work with the faculty member during the semester to fulfill the goals.