The Center for Teaching Excellence (CTE) and the Office of Distributed Learning (ODL) have taken an exciting step forward by consolidating to better support teaching and learning at USC. As part of this integration, Aisha Haynes now serves as the Associate Director and Director of Distributed Learning and Innovation at the CTE. Joining the merged team are Rob Grookett, Assistant Director of Distributed Learning, and Shannon Carson, who oversees the Distributed Learning Testing Center.
This consolidation unites the strengths of both offices - CTE’s dedication to teaching excellence and ODL’s expertise in flexible, distributed learning - to create a unified support system for all instructional formats at USC.
Here's what this means for educators and the university.
Centralized, All-Inclusive Teaching Support
With this merger, faculty now have seamless access to resources for all teaching formats - whether in-person, hybrid, or online. CTE’s strong foundation in pedagogical guidance and instructional design aligns well with ODL’s focus on online and blended learning. Together, the team provides a one-stop shop for educators to refine their teaching strategies and deliver high-quality instruction across formats.
Expanding the Reach of Distributed Learning
ODL’s mission to grow online and blended learning programs is strengthened by CTE’s commitment to teaching excellence. This partnership supports USC’s efforts to relieve classroom constraints and offer more flexible learning pathways for students. By leveraging their combined networks, knowledge, and resources, the unified team is prepared to make distributed learning initiatives even more impactful.
Optimizing University Resources
This consolidation streamlines support for teaching and learning at USC. Faculty will benefit from a simplified process for accessing resources. It also enhances efficiency by aligning CTE and ODL efforts. Instructional designers and distributed learning staff from both offices are working together to create a more cohesive experience for faculty.
Supporting USC’s Vision for Flexible, Inclusive Education
This integration aligns with USC’s broader goals of fostering inclusivity and expanding accessible learning options. By uniting CTE’s focus on cultivating a strong institutional learning culture with ODL’s emphasis on flexibility, the new structure supports diverse student needs and promotes effective teaching practices across the university.
What’s Next?
This merger marks a significant step in strengthening USC’s teaching and learning ecosystem. Faculty can expect enhanced support and innovative solutions for all teaching formats. Together, CTE and ODL are fostering a dynamic, inclusive, and flexible environment that benefits educators and students.