The School of Graduate, Online, and Continuing Education (SGOCE) and the Digital Learning Team are available to support Fitchburg State faculty in the development and continuous improvement of online courses. Whether creating a new online course or enhancing an existing one, faculty are encouraged to take advantage of instructional design resources, consultations, and feedback throughout the development process.
Faculty Support Process
Consultation with the Digital Learning Team (Optional but Encouraged)
Faculty interested in developing or revising an online course are encouraged to consult with the Director of Digital Learning, Ralph Fasano (rfasano@fitchburgstate.edu). Consultations may include:
- Reviewing the Guiding Principles for Online Course Development.
- Discussing the Course Design Guidelines and Blackboard Online Instructor Checklist.
- Exploring instructional design strategies and best practices for online teaching.
- Reviewing available course templates and learning activities.
- Requesting a Blackboard development course shell if needed.
The level of support can be tailored to the needs of the faculty member and the course.
Course Development
Faculty develop their online courses with support from the Digital Learning Team as requested. Depending on the scope of the project, development timelines will vary, although new course development typically requires several months to complete.
Course Feedback and Review (Optional)
Faculty may request a review of a completed or substantially developed course prior to offering it online. The Digital Learning Team can provide constructive feedback using the University's Course Design Rubric and other quality assurance resources to help strengthen course organization, accessibility, learner engagement, and instructional design.
Departments may also request consultations for existing online courses as part of regular curriculum review or continuous improvement efforts.
Development of New Online Programs
SGOCE partners with academic departments to support the development of new online academic programs that align with institutional priorities and demonstrate student demand. When there is a documented market need and an accelerated timeline for program implementation, limited institutional funding or faculty stipends may be available to support course or program development. Funding is considered on a case-by-case basis and is dependent on available resources, institutional priorities, and approval by the Dean of the School of Graduate, Online, and Continuing Education.
Faculty and department chairs interested in exploring new online program opportunities are encouraged to contact the Dean of SGOCE to discuss program planning, market considerations, available support, and potential funding opportunities.
Fitchburg State University is committed to supporting high-quality online education through collaboration, instructional design expertise, and a culture of continuous improvement. Faculty are encouraged to utilize the resources available through SGOCE and the Digital Learning Team to create engaging, accessible, and effective online learning experiences.
Questions regarding online course development support, online program planning, or available resources may be directed to the Dean of the School of Graduate, Online, and Continuing Education.
Fitchburg State University is committed to supporting your course development efforts and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Our aim is to provide you with the resources, expertise, and opportunities to develop online learning experiences that engage and inspire learners.
Learn more about online learning
Complete Fitchburg State’s Online Learning Micro-Credential by earning 3 digital badges .
Contact Ralph Fasano rfasano@fitchburgstate.edu, Director of Digital Learning to enroll.
