Empowered Educator - Members

No prior experience in online teaching is required for this micro-credential. While the program is suitable for all postsecondary educators looking to enhance their skills, those new to teaching might consider beginning with the Online Teaching Fundamentals program. The Empowered Educator program is designed for a broad range of educational roles, not exclusively for current instructors or professors, allowing participants to leverage their professional experiences in various educational capacities.

• Enhance your digital fluency skills through a variety of activities that will enable you to meet the flexible needs of any learner in online and hybrid learning environments.
• Connect with fellow postsecondary educators and share ideas in our community of practice.
• Apply what you learn immediately, using real-world scenarios and hand-on activities.
• Participate in a program endorsed by 8 postsecondary institutions across Ontario.

Yes! We have opportunities built into the program for discussion sessions on Zoom on a weekly basis. These sessions allow you to interact with your peers, ask questions about specific topics with your program facilitator, or share your learning journey. Non-members: Discussion sessions typically occur during the lunch hour from 12-1pm. More information will be on Brightspace once you register for your course.

• The structure of the modules allowed for practice, sharing and feedback that encouraged the opportunity to engage and experiment with new ideas and technology.
• Everything about the modules aligned to skills I could immediately use.
• I have a better well-rounded sense of confidence when it comes to building, teaching faculty, and maintaining online courses and program now due to the full Empowered Educator program.

Throughout the Empowered Educator program, you’ll work through six modules, engage in a range of activities in our Learning Management System. Exercises in the course include completing readings, interactive activities and assessments. You’ll be asked to create activities using a range of educational technologies. Successfully finishing all course components and submitting your activities results in earning the Empowered Educator Micro-credential, which recognizes your ability to enhance learning experiences with new technologies.

You can enroll at any time and proceed at your own pace. There is not set start or end date. Optional facilitated sessions are held on Zoom throughout the year, offering valuable opportunities for knowledge sharing and best practices. While participation is encouraged, they are not mandatory.

Upcoming sessions:

• Summer sessions: June 2 - August 21, 2025
  • View Summer Calendar

• Fall sessions: September 15 - December 4, 2025
  
• Winter sessions: Dates to be announced

To begin, simply register above. Once enrolled, you'll receive access to Brightspace, where you can continue your learning journey.

If you want to complete the Empowered Educator program quickly, and want to learn in collaboration with other post-secondary education professionals, the Empowered Educator Micro-Credential Sprint is for you!

A Sprint Leader will support you through the 3 weeks Sprint and the module activities. Sprint meetings are a great opportunity to interact with your peers, clear doubts about any specific topic or just share your learning journey.  The Sprint synchronous meetings will take place from May 12-30, 2025 on Zoom.

The sprint meetings will take place from May 12 - 30, 2025. Each session will take place between noon and 2:00PM. Meetings will be held on Zoom on the following dates:

• Monday, May 12 2025
• Wednesday, May 14, 2025
• Friday, May 16, 2025
• Tuesday, May 20, 2025
• Wednesday, May 21, 2025
• Friday, May 23, 2025
• Monday, May 26, 2025
• Wednesday, May 28, 2025
• Friday, May 30, 2025

To start, simply register above, and you will be automatically admitted to the program. A few days before the first Sprint meeting, you will receive more information on Brightspace to continue your journey.