Online Learning Certificate

This self-paced, online certificate is designed for individuals who seek an introduction to the process of creating, administering, or teaching online learning programs.  Creating effective online learning courses and simulations can be a challenge. There are tools and techniques available, as well as best practices that can help those designing and creating online learning content for organizations and institutions of higher education.

This certificate offers instruction on the major models, tools, and techniques in creating and delivering online learning. It reviews the fundamentals of general learning theory and how it can be applied, in practice, to online design and instruction.

Further, the certificate provides a brief survey of the technology employed in online learning, best practices for teaching online, strategies for integrating narrative learning into an educational curriculum, and the basics of developing accessible online learning.

Students who complete the Online Learning certificate are awarded a total of 2.25 IACET CEUs, which will be printed on the certificate of completion.

The Online Learning certificate consists of five courses for a total of approximately ten hours of online instruction.  Students have 5 months to complete all of the coursework.

Introduction to Online Learning

Key Learning Outcomes include:

  • Describe key trends in online learning and devise techniques for active learning
  • Differentiate between the constructivist and transmission models of learning
  • Identify the steps common to course development processes and their roles in creating effective learning
  • Explain how learning objectives may be used to ensure that a course is meeting the need it was designed for
  • Describe Bloom's Taxonomy and explain its application in instructional design
  • Explain the benefits of narrative, adaptive, peer, and social learning
  • Discuss the instructional design needs specific to adult learners
  • Describe how to employ Whole-Part-Whole learning techniques
  • Describe instructional scaffolding and explain its use
  • Explain the 5E Learning Model
  • Describe how to measure for success in online learning

Narrative Learning

Key Learning Outcomes include:

  • Define narrative learning and summarize its core principles
  • Identify various types of narrative activities and compare their applications
  • Outline the stages of the narrative arc, specifying the purpose of each stage in terms of a story and a narrative activity
  • Discuss best practices for narrative learning
  • Design a scenario, case study, and simulation
  • Interpret the literature surrounding the efficacy of narrative learning
  • Critique poorly constructed narrative activities

Online Learning Accessibility

Key Learning Outcomes include:

  • Define online learning accessibility and summarize its core components
  • Discuss the online learning accessibility level of your organization's learning content
  • Define key terms in accessibility
  • Explain WCAG and ISO accessibility standards
  • Discuss federal accessibility requirements
  • Outline key methods to make online learning accessible
  • Discuss best practices for online learning accessibility

Teaching Online

Key Learning Outcomes include:

  • Discuss some of the benefits of online learning for students and instructors
  • Describe differences between online and face-to-face classroom teaching
  • Explain the role of an online instructor
  • Assess your own practices as an online instructor
  • Discuss effective ways to lead online discussion
  • Describe the Flipped Classroom and blended learning models
  • Outline ways to introduce collaborative learning (discussion forums, videoconferencing, Question of the Day, group projects, etc.) into an online program
  • Discuss key challenges in online learning and how to handle them
  • Describe methods for evaluating and assessing online instruction
  • Apply your understanding to case studies

The Technology of Online Learning

Key Learning Outcomes include:

  • Discuss the significance of technology in enabling online learning
  • Define basic information technology (IT) terms and concepts as they apply to creating, delivering, and hosting online learning
  • Explain how a learning management system (LMS) functions and how it enables online learning
  • Describe key software tools (HTML, JavaScript, jQuery) employed in online learning
  • Outline the key issues (bandwidth, browser and plug-in compatibility, etc.) involved in delivering online learning over the Internet
  • Discuss the use of video in online learning
  • Explore the key technology issues in developing and delivering online learning to mobile devices (m-learning)
  • Explain the methods used for integrating online learning into learning platforms, including SCORM, LTI, and Tin Can API
  • Describe the common IT challenges involved in online learning

Each of these self-paced courses offers an assortment of interactive exercises, selected readings, and self-assessments. It is recommended that students complete the courses in sequential order, but students are able to access all five courses at any time.  Upon completion, learners are given a summary of what they have learned for quick reference while at work.

Each course has an "Ask the Expert" feature, which submits your questions directly to an expert in the field you are studying. Questions are answered within three business days.

This certificate requires no textbooks or prerequisites.  Downloadable materials can saved during the program to access for further use.

Quizzes and Testing

There are quizzes and tests throughout the program. Each course contains exercises and scenarios for students to answer and self-assess their learning. Students are required to complete all content elements in each course and earn at least a 70% average test score on to earn their certificate. Students will have three attempts at all graded tests.

As a non-credit program, students earn a complete/incomplete status.  Letter grades are not issued, nor recorded by Duke Continuing Studies.

Eligibility

All registrants must meet the following requirements:

  • Be at least 18 years of age
  • Possess word processing and internet skills
  • Be fluent in the English language (including reading and writing)
  • Be familiar with how online programs work and be comfortable using them
  • Be computer literate, have reliable internet access and a valid email account (Please note personal email accounts are preferred as they are less likely to be blocked by firewalls and spam filters)
  • Meet the computer technical requirements specifications

Admission is discretionary. The office of Duke Continuing Studies, Professional Certificate Programs, requires students be a least 18 years of age and meet minimum suitability standards. Students are not matriculated Duke University students and university student privileges do not apply to Continuing Studies students.

Duke Continuing Studies reserves the exclusive right, at its sole and absolute discretion, to withhold registration or require withdrawal from the program of any student or applicant.

Certificate requirements

In order to earn a certificate of completion from Duke Continuing Studies, students must successfully:

  • Pay tuition in full (upon registration
  • Complete all assignments and tests with a minimum score of 70% (Students have three attempts at all graded assignments and tests).
  • Complete the program within the five month time frame

Technical requirements

Operating System
  • Windows XP SP2 or newer
  • Mac OS 10.4.11 or higher
  • Linux/Unix (any recent version)
Hardware
  • 1 Ghz or faster CPU
  • 512 MB RAM
  • video card
  • sound card and headphones or speakers (some assignments have audio components)
Software
  • Microsoft Office 97 (or newer) or comparable office suite such as Open Office (free download available at openoffice.org)
  • Adobe Flash Player 9 or greater (free download available at adobe.com)
  • Adobe Reader/Acrobat Reader 7.0 or greater (free download available at adobe.com)
Web Browser
  • Microsoft Internet Explorer 7 or greater
  • Firefox 3.6 or greater (free download available)
  • Netscape, Safari, Opera, Chrome, and other web browsers may work, however may not render all features of the course(s)
  • Cookies must be enabled
  • JavaScript must be enabled
Internet
  • Reliable internet connection
  • E-mail account (to be able to register and to receive e-mail from the system regarding registration, course status, etc.)

Schedule

Registration is ongoing; therefore students can begin the program when it is convenient for them! 

Registration is not available June 24 - June 30 annually due to the close of the fiscal year for the university.

Registration

Note: our enrollment system is a separate system from that used for your online training, and therefore, access to the online training is not an automated process upon your registration. Please be aware that there may be a time delay of up to 5 business days before you receive the email with your access to the online program. This delay will not affect your allotted completion time for the program. Please check your spam/junk folder because sometimes the access emails end up there.

Enrollment steps
  • Register for this program and pay tuition in full.
  • Receive an email within five business days from our program partner MindEdge containing details about how to access the program’s web portal.
  • Log in and begin coursework.  Students will have 5 months to complete their coursework from the date they receive their program access.
Registration Methods 
  1. Register Online using a credit card with our secure, real-time registration system. Add the course to your shopping cart and follow the instructions for checking out.
  2. Register by Phone at 919-684-6259 during our business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm EST) to register.

Is this program affiliated with any other office at Duke University?

This program is not affiliated with any other Duke office . It is offered exclusively through Duke Continuing Studies in a collaboration with Mindedge.

Does Duke faculty serve as instructors/mentors/subject matter experts in the program?

For programs that include such features (not all do) we have chosen as instructors to use individuals whom(or who?) practice, and in many cases are certified, in the subject matter area being taught to enrich the professional working adult learning experience.

Do I have to log on a certain times on certain days?

No, these courses are completely self-paced, allowing students to schedule the courses work as they so desire within the allotted access time.

Am I able to take individual courses?

No, the Online Learning certificate is available as a certificate only and individual courses cannot be purchased separately.

When is registration open?

Students may register between July 1 and June 23 each year.  Registration is not available from June 24 - June 30 annually due to the close of the fiscal year for the university.

After registering, when will students receive additional program details?

Within 5 business days of enrollment (excluding Duke holidays), students will receive an email from our program partner MindEdge with web access information.

Is access to a computer required during this program?

This is an exclusively online program and access to a reliable computer is required for the duration of the program.

How long do students have access to each online course?

Students will have access to all courses within the certificate for 5 months (150 days) from the date in which they receive program access.

How long does each course take to complete?

Each individual course is estimated to take approximately 2 hours to complete.  The entire certificate is estimated to take 10 hours to complete. Completion time will vary by student.

Are extensions granted to students who request them?

No.  Sufficient time to complete coursework has been given, and therefore no extensions will be granted.  If a course is not finished and a student wants to re-enroll to complete it, he or she will have to purchase the course/package again and restart the training from the beginning of the course.

What are the technical requirements for this program?

See the Requirements section above.

How do students ask questions?

Each course has an "Ask the Expert" feature, which submits your questions directly to an expert in the field you are studying. Questions are answered within 3 business days.

What do students do if there are technical issues while completing the course?

Students should contact the Program Manager via email to troubleshoot technical issues.  Students can expect a response within 3 business days.

How do students earn a certificate of completion from Duke Continuing Studies?

Students who complete all assignments with an average minimum score of 70% within the allotted time frame and pay tuition in full (upon registration) will receive a certificate of completion from Duke Continuing Studies. The certificate is downloadable after the course is completed. Students will be able to download the certificate for up to six months after completing the course.

Will these courses count for credits or degrees?

No. These courses are not applicable to a degree.

Upon completion of one or more courses how do students get verification of their IACET CEU credits?

Students download their certificate of completion from the Learning Management System.  The certificate will include IACET CEU credits earned.

What is the refund policy for these courses?

There are no refunds given for online courses.

Tuition: $400

Duke Employee Discount

  • $40 off the fee of $400; Duke employee pays fee of $360
  • Student must register and pay tuition in full prior to receiving program access
  • Questions:  Contact Program Manager at 919-684-3379 

Discount must be requested and applied during the registration process and cannot be applied in addition to any other discount that may be offered. You may be asked to verify your status as a Duke employee.

Group Discount

Do you have a group (Duke or non-Duke entity) interested in training? Contact the Program Manager for details.

Funding Sources

No loans can be construed to imply any degree-seeking status for students of Duke Continuing studies. Duke Continuing Studies courses are non-credit.

Duke Continuing Studies (DCS) will not certify (approve) loan amounts greater than the amount of the tuition regardless of the amount approved by the lending agency. DCS reserves the right to reject any loan which exceeds the tuition amount. DCS will not be responsible for refunding monies in excess of the tuition. Students needing to secure loan funding for books or other items in relation to the program are responsible for making separate loan arrangements with the funding agency. No loan funds will be refunded to the student.

Should a student choose to borrow less than the tuition amount, the balance must be paid prior to the close of the registration period.

Funding Sources

Our Professional Certificate programs are non-credit (not degree applicable); therefore, they are NOT eligible for federal education loans. DO NOT SUBMIT FAFSA FORMS for these programs. Some of our programs may offer payment plans. Please see individual program web pages for those details.

Other Funding Sources

The funding options listed below may not be applicable to all programs at this time. Please contact the organization offering the funding to see if you qualify and if the funds can be used for the program in which you are interested.

Loan Options

Due to the tuition cost, this certificate is not eligible for the private student loans through Sallie Mae and Wells Fargo.  Your local bank may offer other options for loans or a "line of credit" service. Contact your bank for more information on financing choices.

Duke Hospital Employees

Duke University Hospital employees may be eligible for support from the Employee Development Initiative (EDI), which helps employees pay for short-term career-related programs, workshops, and seminars. For more information, visit the Employee Development Initiative site or call Duke Hospital Human Resources at (919) 668-2170.

Workforce Investment Act

The WIA provides professional and basic skills training services to those who have been unable to find employment. Please keep in mind that this process can be lengthy, so plan to apply well in advance of the program start date.  For more information on eligibility, the application process, or to find your local Workforce Development Board, visit the NC JobLink Career Center website.

AmeriCorps

AmeriCorps Education Awards are available only for AmeriCorps volunteers and can be used for educational expenses for non-degree courses, such as Continuing Education courses offered by qualified schools. For more information on qualified schools and programs, contact the National Service Trust at 1-800-942-2677, or visit the FAQ page of the AmeriCorps website.

Wire Transfers

Contact our registration office at learnmore@duke.edu for details on how to send wire transfers. Very specific instructions must be followed in order for our office to receive a successful transfer.

Online Refund and Transfer Policy

There are no refunds, cancellations, or transfers for online, self-paced courses.

Extension Policy

No extensions will be granted. Students who require additional time to complete the course(s) they registered for will be responsible for re-registering and paying for the course in full for a second time.

Tax Deductions

Course fees and expenses are sometimes tax deductible. Please consult an accountant concerning this matter. Non-credit programs at Duke Continuing Studies do not generate 1098-T forms, in accordance with the following IRS guideline:

  • Instructions for Forms 1098-E and 1098-T published by the Department of the Treasury, Internal Revenue Service, states “You do not have to file Form 1098-T or furnish a statement for: Courses for which no academic credit is offered, even if the student is otherwise enrolled in a degree program…”