Two professional development opportunities are available to support instructors preparing to teach online at USC: Teaching Online for Graduate Students (TOGS) and Technology for Online Teaching and Learning (TOTL). Both facilitated short courses run from October 1 through October 28, 2025, and are designed to strengthen online teaching knowledge and skills through active engagement in asynchronous Blackboard courses.
Teaching Online for Graduate Students (TOGS)
Teaching Online for Graduate Students (TOGS) is an asynchronous course designed for experienced graduate students who have taught at least one semester as the instructor of record or primary instructor. Facilitated by Michelle Hardee, Program Manager for Graduate Student Development, this four-week course helps participants build confidence and effectiveness in teaching online. Course topics include best practices in online learning, online course design and development, learning models and theories, measurable learning outcomes, and student support strategies. Participants will revise a syllabus for online delivery and explore university resources that support online teaching.
Application Deadline: Wednesday, September 17, 2025.
Technology for Online Teaching and Learning (TOTL)
Technology for Online Teaching and Learning (TOTL) is an asynchronous course for faculty who teach in blended, hybrid, or fully online
formats. Led by Gloria Washington, CTE Instructional Designer, the course is designed
as an immersive, collaborative learning experience that introduces participants to
best practices in course design, development, and delivery. Faculty explore how to
integrate technology to improve student learning and engagement, with particular focus
on Blackboard Learn Ultra and generative AI tools such as ChatGPT. Participants complete
assignments in a Blackboard “Sandbox” course and apply quality standards to course
components. TOTL is open to faculty (tenure-track, professional track, and adjunct)
from the Columbia campus, Palmetto College campuses, and the Schools of Medicine.
Application Deadline: Monday, September 8, 2025