Faculty Resources for Distance Learning
Distance Learning (DL) is the official designation for online and hybrid classes. AP 4105-Distance Learning defines courses as "distance learning" when "seat time" (time spent in the classroom) is replaced with online activities. Online courses take place 100% online with no in-person time. Hybrid courses combine online activities and on-campus "seat time" (time spent in the classroom). There are no set proportions for hybrid courses: they vary in how much or how little time is spent online or in the classroom, allowing professors to design courses that meet the needs of the subject matter. Professors must be DL or "SPOT" certified to teach distance learning courses of any of these types at Mt. SAC.
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SPOT
Professors must be DL (SPOT) certified to teach distance learning classes at Mt. SAC.
- Complete SPOT, our local certification course. SPOT is self-paced and facilitated by Mt. SAC's current Assistant Distance Learning Coordinator.
- Complete an alternative route to be DL (SPOT) certified) If you have finished DL certification at another college or through @ONE, you may be able to use that toward DL/SPOT certification at Mt. SAC.
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SPOT Recertification
Professors recertify every 4 years.
SPOT-certified professors must renew their certification every four years by completing a series of professional learning activities:
- a one-hour mandatory Regulations Update workshop reviews AP 4105 and any changes to regulations that affect distance learning professors
- a course review for regular and substantive interaction
- 2 hours of additional DL-related professional learning, which can be met in many ways.
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Regular & Substantive Interaction (RSI)
Courses taught in an online format must meet Regular and Substantive interaction (RSI).
- RSI is a federal and state education code requirement that is also included in Mt. SAC's AP 4105.
- Passing an RSI Review has recently been added to the requirements for SPOT recertification.
- Learn all about the process, sign up, and find out any details about the process here.
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Canvas Resources
There are many Canvas resources for Mt. SAC professors.
Learn all about Canvas resources including:
- how to access Canvas
- where to learn Canvas basics
- how to prep courses in Canvas
- what tools and apps are available to Mt. SAC faculty, and how to access and use them.
- where to find student Canvas resources
- additional resources and support for professors.
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Distance Learning Courses & Faculty
Looking for DL approved courses? Here is where you can find the list:
- DL Amendment Forms How to submit an approved course so it can be taught in a DL format at Mt. SAC.
- Approved Distance Learning Faculty Find out which professors are DL certified. Look yourself up to see when your next recertification is due.
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Evaluating Distance Learning Classes
Distance Learning faculty need to know how to facilitate the evaluation process for distance learning courses.
- Classroom Visitation Evaluations Online courses are evaluated by a faculty peer. Find the guidelines here.
- Faculty Contract Forms Online courses require a different student evaluation form, which can be found here.
For more information on any of these processes please contact distancelearning@mtsac.edu.
Related Resources
- Distance Learning Committee (DLC) works on evaluation and development for all things related to DL at Mt. SAC. See their web pages, which include recommendations for various aspects of distance learning at Mt. SAC.
- Faculty Center for Learning Technology (FCLT) your local instructional design unit where you can receive personalized help to teach in Canvas.
- Library, Learning Resources, and Distance Learning Division is the home of distance learning and the Faculty Center for Learning Technology
- POD (Professional and Organizational Development) Sign up for live workshops on the POD Connect calendar. Find your transcript of professional development activities here, too.
