Online Learning and Teaching (COLT), Graduate Certificate

Print Degree Planner (opens a new window) |

The Graduate Certificate program is a 15-credit, fully online post-baccalaureate program. The purpose of COLT is to develop competent online instructors and instructional designers. COLT provides those who desire to deliver learning at a distance with the foundational knowledge and skills required to design, develop, and implement effective materials for online learning. Although targeted for Hawaiʻi’s educators, this program will also appeal to online educators throughout the Asia-Pacific. Participants learn the skills necessary to be successful online teachers and online learners. Within the certificate program, students learn to create, use, and manage appropriate technological processes and resources to understand and deploy effective, efficient, and engaging online learning environments.

The certificate prepares participants to apply the theories, principles, models, tools, and techniques associated with online teaching in diverse educational settings. Throughout this completely online certificate program, participants have numerous opportunities to integrate their professional experiences into their learning, apply course assignments to their current professional activities, and actively engage with other professionals in the development of these proficiencies.

The COLT program has been endorsed by the Association for Educational Communications and Technology (AECT). Course objectives and assessments are framed by standards developed by AECT to ensure relevance and quality.

Admission Requirements

Admission to the COLT program is available for any semester with applications accepted year-round. Students must meet the requirements set by Graduate Division for admission. Students should select “Online Learning and Teaching” as the major on the graduate application form.

In addition to the application materials required by Graduate Division, prospective students must also submit the following online (see LTEC web page for additional details):

Resume
Statement of Objectives
Intent to Apply

Because the number of students who can be admitted is limited, the admission process is competitive and meeting the minimum established criteria does not guarantee automatic admission. A previous degree in educational technology is not required to enter the COLT program. Students without previous online learning experience should take Introduction to E-Learning (LTEC 612 ) as their first course in the program.

Program Requirements

The COLT Graduate Certificate is comprised of three 3-credit required courses, plus two additional 3-credit elective courses. The five courses are designed to cover a range of competencies to educate candidates in understanding, designing, and delivering online learning. All courses for the COLT program are offered fully online. Courses follow the UH Mānoa semester schedule, and are offered in fall, spring, and summer semesters. Some courses may require attendance at live online sessions in the evenings. Students may opt for campus courses for electives but this is not required.

Required courses include: LTEC 612 , LTEC 632 , and LTEC 673 . Students select two electives with approval of the COLT advisor. The electives may be chosen from among the rich array within the department’s graduate courses. Courses must relate to the overall goals of the certificate but are designed to meet the specific needs and objectives of the individual student. Students complete a culminating project in LTEC 632 after all other course requirements have been met. COLT students are required to have access to a laptop computer with internet access to meet program requirements.

Transfer Credit and Dual Programs

Previous course work: A maximum of 6 credits from previously taken LTEC courses may be used to meet requirements with department approval as long as these courses are not older than 3 years and were not counted towards another certificate or previous degree. There are no transfer credits from other departments or other institutions for certificate programs.
Dual Programs: Students may be concurrently enrolled in COLT and the LTEC MEd or PhD programs. Courses taken in the COLT program may count as electives for the MEd or PhD programs (approval required). COLT students are required to have access to a laptop computer with Internet access to meet program requirements.