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What is the Teaching Essentials Course (TEC)?

The TEC is a course designed for newly assigned and beginning instructors. Established, long-standing instructors and faculty are also welcome to attend since the curriculum emphasizes current teaching techniques. The course is designed to emphasize the student-centered learning environment. Originally developed for Air University educators, the course is now open to all AETC educators and those in the 1700 career field. The TEC consists of six modules and twenty lessons. Modules include:

•    Foundation of Instruction, 
•    Teaching and Learning Theories, 
•    Teaching Strategies, 
•    Educational Assessment, 
•    Learning Technology, and 
•    The Profession of Teaching. 

See the Course Directive for more information. Earn a certificate of completion and digital badge to document your professional development by completing either the multi-day hybrid or the self-paced asynchronous option. 
 

Flexible TEC Options


 

Online, Self-Paced (Asynchronous)

The asynchronous self-paced TEC option is conducted online via Canvas. This option does not require real time interaction and affords students the opportunity to access the course when it best fits their schedules. Self-guided modules, pre-recorded video content, lecture notes, and discussion boards allow students to complete assignments at their own pace without set deadlines. Instructors will monitor progress and be available for assistance throughout the course. Continuous enrollment.  

Combination Online, Self-Paced, and Face-to-Face (Hybrid)

The multi-day hybrid TEC option includes a synchronous morning session (face-to-face or online) followed by a 2-hour asynchronous online learning component. Cohort models are used to emphasize the development of professional learning communities by encouraging collaboration with other instructors. Participants are expected to participate throughout the morning and collaborate for online activities. The online component is conducted via Canvas. Hybrid classes will be offered once a quarter.  

Micro-sessions

Based on TEC concepts and faculty needs, micro-sessions are 30-minute presentations with a Q&A session via Teams or Zoom. Links are sent out with announcement emails and posts. No registration is required.

Workshops

Workshops are available for a more customizable approach and also based on TEC concepts. Workshops take place either face-to-face or online and vary in time/length depending on identified requirements. A minimum of three weeks advanced notice is required to plan and implement. 

 
Consultations

Consultation services include collaboration on educational material, assistance with how to apply instructional strategies, support for designing and developing lessons, etc. For individualized support, contact us directly using the “REQUEST FORM” below. 
 

 

 

Digital Badging and Certificates

To earn a certificate of completion and digital badge:

1. Successfully complete either the multi-day hybrid or self-paced asynchronous course; and

2. Pass the post-assessment with a minimum score of 70% or earn a minimum score of 70% on the post-assessments for each lesson.

FAQs

Hybrid. The multi-day (5 or 10-day) hybrid course includes lessons with synchronous or live sessions in the morning and asynchronous or self-paced lessons each afternoon to allow scheduling flexibility for busy adult learners. The synchronous sessions emphasize the development of professional learning communities by using a cohort model to encourage collaboration with other instructors. Participants are expected to collaborate for online activities, as well. The online component is conducted via Canvas. Online tutorials will be available for those unfamiliar with Canvas.
Asynchronous. The fully asynchronous, self-paced option is conducted online via Canvas and allows students to choose which lessons to take. Online tutorials will be available for those unfamiliar with Canvas. This option does not require real-time interaction and affords students the opportunity to access the course when it best fits their schedules. Self-guided modules, pre-recorded video content, lecture notes, and discussion boards allow students to complete assignments at their own pace without set deadlines. Instructors will monitor progress and be available for assistance throughout the course.
Hybrid. The hybrid model is multi-day and provides instruction on the entire TEC. Depending on the needs of the cohort, the hybrid model is generally offered in 5 days. Hybrids are also available in a 10-day option.

Asynchronous. The asynchronous model is self-paced and allows students to begin and end when it best fits their schedules. There are 20 lessons designed to be completed in about an hour each. However, participants have the flexibility to choose which lessons they want to take; there is no requirement to complete the whole course or lessons in any particular order.

Micro-sessions. Micro-sessions are offered monthly in 20–30-minute time segments.

Workshops. Workshops are offered in various lengths and are customized based on requests.

While the TEC was originally developed for Air University educators, the course is now open to all AETC educators and those in the 1700 career field. Enrollment outside the AF is considered on a case-by-case basis.
See TLC home page for upcoming events. Notifications of scheduled events are distributed via AU email, social media, and AUTLC newsletters. The asynchronous option is open for continuous enrollment. For additional information, email autlc@us.af.mil or call (334) 953-5454.
To register for either the hybrid or asynchronous course, complete the “REQUEST FORM” at the bottom of this page. Follow these steps to register:

1.    Choose “Teaching Essentials Course”
2.    Enter name and e-mail address
3.    Enter “Registration” for subject
4.    Choose “Asynchronous or Hybrid”
5.    Add questions or comments to comment box

This course is designed for newly assigned and beginning instructors. Established, long-standing instructors and faculty are also welcome to attend since the curriculum and experience emphasize current teaching techniques and promote professional learning communities with instructors across the campus.
Content and technical support is available for TEC participants. Please allow up to 48 hours for a response excluding weekends and holidays.
Any questions or comments need to be directed to the AUTLC.

•    Email autlc@us.af.mil or call (334) 953-5454

You will earn a certificate of completion (pdf) and digital badge (Credly) after

•    Successfully completing the Teaching Essentials Course offered by Air University Teaching & Learning Center. Earners may take either the multi-day hybrid class or self-paced asynchronous version. 
•    Passing the post-assessment after the hybrid course with a minimum of 70% or earning a minimum score of 70% on the post-assessment for each lesson of the asynchronous course.

Credly, https://info.credly.com/, is a platform that enables organizations to develop digital badges to meet organizational needs.
There are many benefits to having a digital badge. Digital badges can be used to verify and validate what personnel know, promote a culture of learning and professional development, and provide verifiable, transferrable, and sharable information. The digital badge complements the traditional certificate.
The TEC was designed in consideration of the unique needs of the military. Flexibility is a key component of the TEC. Contact your instructors to work out a plan for completion.
The TEC is designed to emphasize the student-centered learning environment with practical applications whether offered face-to-face or online, synchronously or asynchronously. Students will have the opportunity to engage in small and large-group discussions and collegial inquiry and to reflect on their professional growth. Sessions are designed to be interactive, and students are encouraged to actively participate by asking questions, contributing to discussions, and engaging in learning activities.
Students are assessed using criteria based on alignment with lesson objectives. Each lesson contains activities, such as Knowledge Checks, reflection prompts, application exercises, etc. The instructor is available and feedback is provided. Pre-assessments are designed to measure the knowledge gained when compared to the post-assessment. 
Students must pass the post-assessment after the hybrid course with a minimum of 70% or earn a minimum score of 70% on the post-assessment for each lesson of the asynchronous course. Students will be prompted to review any section and re-take as needed. The highest score will be recorded.


Learn Tech Tours (LTT)

Conducted virtually on the 3rd Thursday each month via Microsoft Teams Meetings, these highly interactive sessions enable teachers to learn and practice with hardware and software combinations designed to enhance the learning experience.

The AU Teaching & Learning Center offers tailored, onsite, or virtual training sessions to help educators develop proficiency with learn-tech hardware and software. This training effort includes a monthly Learn Tech Tours presentation which spotlights a particular tool or feature set beneficial to the AU teaching community. 

Examples of Learn Tech Tours topics include:

1. Creating Data Visualization Dashboards
2. SCORM Reporting Scores to Canvas Gradebook
3. VR/AR Research at Air University
4. Camtasia 9 - Screen Recording & Video Editing
5. Surface Hub Connection Options
6. Podcasting
7. Classroom Interactive Digital Display System (CIDDS) Demo
8. Basic Introduction to Qualtrics


Are You Developing & Teaching a Course in Canvas?

The TLC offers personalized training for course directors, faculty, and support staff on how to use and customize Canvas for online course delivery. From creating engaging content through professional graphics and videos, to loading interactive SCORM content integrating plagiarism detection tools, we offer hands-on personalized training. To learn more about the services we offer, please login to Canvas and visit the "Welcome to Canvas" link via the Help Tab in your Global Canvas Navigation Menu. For personalized assistance with any area of Canvas development, please email Ken Burnham at autlc@us.af.mil. 
 

Teaching Essentials Course (TEC)

What is the Teaching Essentials Course (TEC)?

The TEC is a course designed for newly assigned and beginning instructors. Established, long-standing instructors and faculty are also welcome to attend since the curriculum emphasizes current teaching techniques. The course is designed to emphasize the student-centered learning environment. Originally developed for Air University educators, the course is now open to all AETC educators and those in the 1700 career field. The TEC consists of six modules and twenty lessons. Modules include:

•    Foundation of Instruction, 
•    Teaching and Learning Theories, 
•    Teaching Strategies, 
•    Educational Assessment, 
•    Learning Technology, and 
•    The Profession of Teaching. 

See the Course Directive for more information. Earn a certificate of completion and digital badge to document your professional development by completing either the multi-day hybrid or the self-paced asynchronous option. 
 

Flexible TEC Options


 

Online, Self-Paced (Asynchronous)

The asynchronous self-paced TEC option is conducted online via Canvas. This option does not require real time interaction and affords students the opportunity to access the course when it best fits their schedules. Self-guided modules, pre-recorded video content, lecture notes, and discussion boards allow students to complete assignments at their own pace without set deadlines. Instructors will monitor progress and be available for assistance throughout the course. Continuous enrollment.  

Combination Online, Self-Paced, and Face-to-Face (Hybrid)

The multi-day hybrid TEC option includes a synchronous morning session (face-to-face or online) followed by a 2-hour asynchronous online learning component. Cohort models are used to emphasize the development of professional learning communities by encouraging collaboration with other instructors. Participants are expected to participate throughout the morning and collaborate for online activities. The online component is conducted via Canvas. Hybrid classes will be offered once a quarter.  

Micro-sessions

Based on TEC concepts and faculty needs, micro-sessions are 30-minute presentations with a Q&A session via Teams or Zoom. Links are sent out with announcement emails and posts. No registration is required.

Workshops

Workshops are available for a more customizable approach and also based on TEC concepts. Workshops take place either face-to-face or online and vary in time/length depending on identified requirements. A minimum of three weeks advanced notice is required to plan and implement. 

 
Consultations

Consultation services include collaboration on educational material, assistance with how to apply instructional strategies, support for designing and developing lessons, etc. For individualized support, contact us directly using the “REQUEST FORM” below. 
 

 

 

Digital Badging and Certificates

To earn a certificate of completion and digital badge:

1. Successfully complete either the multi-day hybrid or self-paced asynchronous course; and

2. Pass the post-assessment with a minimum score of 70% or earn a minimum score of 70% on the post-assessments for each lesson.

FAQs

Hybrid. The multi-day (5 or 10-day) hybrid course includes lessons with synchronous or live sessions in the morning and asynchronous or self-paced lessons each afternoon to allow scheduling flexibility for busy adult learners. The synchronous sessions emphasize the development of professional learning communities by using a cohort model to encourage collaboration with other instructors. Participants are expected to collaborate for online activities, as well. The online component is conducted via Canvas. Online tutorials will be available for those unfamiliar with Canvas.
Asynchronous. The fully asynchronous, self-paced option is conducted online via Canvas and allows students to choose which lessons to take. Online tutorials will be available for those unfamiliar with Canvas. This option does not require real-time interaction and affords students the opportunity to access the course when it best fits their schedules. Self-guided modules, pre-recorded video content, lecture notes, and discussion boards allow students to complete assignments at their own pace without set deadlines. Instructors will monitor progress and be available for assistance throughout the course.
Hybrid. The hybrid model is multi-day and provides instruction on the entire TEC. Depending on the needs of the cohort, the hybrid model is generally offered in 5 days. Hybrids are also available in a 10-day option.

Asynchronous. The asynchronous model is self-paced and allows students to begin and end when it best fits their schedules. There are 20 lessons designed to be completed in about an hour each. However, participants have the flexibility to choose which lessons they want to take; there is no requirement to complete the whole course or lessons in any particular order.

Micro-sessions. Micro-sessions are offered monthly in 20–30-minute time segments.

Workshops. Workshops are offered in various lengths and are customized based on requests.

While the TEC was originally developed for Air University educators, the course is now open to all AETC educators and those in the 1700 career field. Enrollment outside the AF is considered on a case-by-case basis.
See TLC home page for upcoming events. Notifications of scheduled events are distributed via AU email, social media, and AUTLC newsletters. The asynchronous option is open for continuous enrollment. For additional information, email autlc@us.af.mil or call (334) 953-5454.
To register for either the hybrid or asynchronous course, complete the “REQUEST FORM” at the bottom of this page. Follow these steps to register:

1.    Choose “Teaching Essentials Course”
2.    Enter name and e-mail address
3.    Enter “Registration” for subject
4.    Choose “Asynchronous or Hybrid”
5.    Add questions or comments to comment box

This course is designed for newly assigned and beginning instructors. Established, long-standing instructors and faculty are also welcome to attend since the curriculum and experience emphasize current teaching techniques and promote professional learning communities with instructors across the campus.
Content and technical support is available for TEC participants. Please allow up to 48 hours for a response excluding weekends and holidays.
Any questions or comments need to be directed to the AUTLC.

•    Email autlc@us.af.mil or call (334) 953-5454

You will earn a certificate of completion (pdf) and digital badge (Credly) after

•    Successfully completing the Teaching Essentials Course offered by Air University Teaching & Learning Center. Earners may take either the multi-day hybrid class or self-paced asynchronous version. 
•    Passing the post-assessment after the hybrid course with a minimum of 70% or earning a minimum score of 70% on the post-assessment for each lesson of the asynchronous course.

Credly, https://info.credly.com/, is a platform that enables organizations to develop digital badges to meet organizational needs.
There are many benefits to having a digital badge. Digital badges can be used to verify and validate what personnel know, promote a culture of learning and professional development, and provide verifiable, transferrable, and sharable information. The digital badge complements the traditional certificate.
The TEC was designed in consideration of the unique needs of the military. Flexibility is a key component of the TEC. Contact your instructors to work out a plan for completion.
The TEC is designed to emphasize the student-centered learning environment with practical applications whether offered face-to-face or online, synchronously or asynchronously. Students will have the opportunity to engage in small and large-group discussions and collegial inquiry and to reflect on their professional growth. Sessions are designed to be interactive, and students are encouraged to actively participate by asking questions, contributing to discussions, and engaging in learning activities.
Students are assessed using criteria based on alignment with lesson objectives. Each lesson contains activities, such as Knowledge Checks, reflection prompts, application exercises, etc. The instructor is available and feedback is provided. Pre-assessments are designed to measure the knowledge gained when compared to the post-assessment. 
Students must pass the post-assessment after the hybrid course with a minimum of 70% or earn a minimum score of 70% on the post-assessment for each lesson of the asynchronous course. Students will be prompted to review any section and re-take as needed. The highest score will be recorded.


Learning Tech Tours (LTT)

Learn Tech Tours (LTT)

Conducted virtually on the 3rd Thursday each month via Microsoft Teams Meetings, these highly interactive sessions enable teachers to learn and practice with hardware and software combinations designed to enhance the learning experience.

The AU Teaching & Learning Center offers tailored, onsite, or virtual training sessions to help educators develop proficiency with learn-tech hardware and software. This training effort includes a monthly Learn Tech Tours presentation which spotlights a particular tool or feature set beneficial to the AU teaching community. 

Examples of Learn Tech Tours topics include:

1. Creating Data Visualization Dashboards
2. SCORM Reporting Scores to Canvas Gradebook
3. VR/AR Research at Air University
4. Camtasia 9 - Screen Recording & Video Editing
5. Surface Hub Connection Options
6. Podcasting
7. Classroom Interactive Digital Display System (CIDDS) Demo
8. Basic Introduction to Qualtrics


CANVAS Assistance Support Team (CAST)

Are You Developing & Teaching a Course in Canvas?

The TLC offers personalized training for course directors, faculty, and support staff on how to use and customize Canvas for online course delivery. From creating engaging content through professional graphics and videos, to loading interactive SCORM content integrating plagiarism detection tools, we offer hands-on personalized training. To learn more about the services we offer, please login to Canvas and visit the "Welcome to Canvas" link via the Help Tab in your Global Canvas Navigation Menu. For personalized assistance with any area of Canvas development, please email Ken Burnham at autlc@us.af.mil. 
 

Connect With Us



 
 


Air University Teaching & Learning Center
600 Chennault Circle
Building 1405
2nd Floor of AU Library
Maxwell AFB, AL 36112