BGSU Launches Education Certificate for Virtual Teaching

Certificate program prepares K-12 teachers to address issues related to online learning

By Andrew Addessi ’20

As classrooms have changed because of COVID-19, teachers are looking for a new arsenal of skills for virtual learning. Bowling Green State University is answering the call and leading the way by offering an Online Teaching and Learning Certificate through its eCampus for educators to learn and adapt to online teaching.

The K-12 certificate can be earned entirely online and is aimed at preparing teachers to become effective educators in a virtual classroom.

Teaching In An Online Classroom

BGSU’s certificate will address issues related to online learning, including how to effectively manage online classrooms, digital equity, and student motivation. Additionally, coursework will cover how to design an online course, migrate a face-to-face course to online, and using tools like Zoom and Google Classroom.

“The big difference between BGSU’s certificate and the others that I’ve seen — and there aren’t a lot — is they just focus on tool use; a lot of ‘how to’ this program and that program,” Matuga said. “We don’t focus on ‘how to;’ we look more at the ‘why’ and ‘what to’ use these online tools for to benefit students the most.”

 While the Online Teaching and Learning Certificate is not new, it was previously paused but brought back to address the need for virtual learning.

“COVID-19 has changed education in a substantial way,” said Dr. Dawn Shinew, dean of the College of Education and Human Development. “Teachers at all stages of their careers are looking to gain new skills. BGSU's College of Education and Human Development continues to be a leader in equipping educators with the tools they need to be successful in all teaching environments."

Applying to the Graduate Program

Students can apply to the graduate program immediately, with courses starting July 6. The program will also be offered in the fall semester. The fully online certificate takes less than a year to complete.

Due to COVID-19, BGSU is temporarily waiving the GRE and GMAT requirements for students applying to any of the University’s graduate certificates and master’s degree programs for summer and fall 2020.

Graduate application fees for new domestic applicants for the summer and fall semesters will also be waived.