UCF Online Teaching Credentials

Explore the required credentials and professional development programs offered by the University of Central Florida (UCF) Center for Distributed Learning. 

Faculty Credentials

Faculty members who design and teach sections in Distributed Learning modalities, or those with the PAL attribute, receive the support and resources of the Center for Distributed Learning (CDL).  To become qualified to teach in Distributed Learning modalities, or the PAL attribute, faculty must earn credentials through CDL faculty development programs. The available credentials include: 

  • Asynchronous Design/Teaching (ADT): This credential permits course design and delivery in the W, M, and CBA’s REAL modalities, and is supported by CDL’s flagship IDL 6543 program or equivalent.
  • Asynchronous Teaching (AT):  This credential permits the delivery of an existing W or M modality course without substantial alterations and is supported by the ADL 5000 program.
  • Video Design/Teaching (VDT):  This credential permits course design and delivery in the synchronous and asynchronous V and RS modalities.  It is supported by CDL’s Effective Teaching with Video (ETV) program and predecessor programs.
  • Adaptive Design/Teaching (PAL): This credential permits course design and delivery using adaptive learning technologies identified by the PAL attribute.  It is supported by the PAL 6000 program or equivalent product training.

Required Professional Development

Faculty Credentials Professional Development Options
Asynchronous Design/Teaching (ADT) IDL6543, OFRA, EOT, or DLI78361
Asynchronous Teaching (AT) ADL50002
Video Design/Teaching (VDT) Zoom Essentials, Panopto Essentials, COEV, COBV, IDV or ETV, TLC1, TLCz1, EOT – Video1
Adaptive Design/Teaching (PAL) PAL6000 or PAL5000
Professional Development Mode Description
IDL6543, OFRA, DLI78361, or ADL50002 W – Web-Based
M – Mixed Mode (Flexible or Live)
RS – Limited Attendance (Flexible or Live)

With Panopto Essentials
V – Video (Flexible)
EOT1 W – Web-Based
M – Mixed Mode (Flexible or Live)
RS – Limited Attendance (Flexible or Live)
V – Video (Flexible or Live)
TLC1, TLCz1, EOT – Video1, or ETV (new) V – Video (Flexible or Live)
PAL6000 or PAL5000 Course attribute: PAL

1 Course retired; no longer offered.
2 ADL5000 qualifies only to teach inherited courses designed by ADT credentialed faculty.

What Type of Course Can Faculty Teach?

At UCF, faculty possess the flexibility to teach various types of courses tailored to meet the diverse needs of students. Understanding the different modalities available is essential for faculty members as they pursue credentials prior to teaching in an online or blended modality.  
 
This table below identifies which credentials are required to teach specific modalities and identifies other implications, such as classroom scheduling, the Distance Learning Fee, and requirements for synchronous course interactions. Each modality presents unique opportunities and challenges, and faculty members play a pivotal role in selecting the most suitable approach for delivering effective instruction. For an overview of course modalities offered at UCF, including detailed descriptions on in-person, online, and hybrid formats, please visit UCF Course Modalities.

Modality Credentials1 Classroom Scheduling DL Fee Short Modality Description
P
In Person		 N/A ✅ ❌ Face-to-Face
M
Mixed-Mode		 ADT2
or
AT3		 ✅ ❌ Classic M (may include video content) >20% classroom
MR
Mixed-Mode 20% Classroom		 ✅ ✅ M but only 20% classroom maximum
W
Web-Based		 ❌ ✅ Classic W
ML
(livestream)		 VDT4 ✅ ❌ Classroom plus livestream meetings
RL
Livestream, 20% Classroom Attendance		 ✅ ✅ 20% classroom maximum plus livestream meetings
RS
Video Content, 20% Classroom Attendance2		 ✅ ✅ 20% classroom maximum plus video recordings (REAL5)
VL
Video Livestream		 ❌ ✅ Online livestream meetings
V
Online Video Content		 ❌ ✅ Online w/video recordings

1 Review the faculty qualifications for a list of credential definitions.
2 Asynchronous Design/Teaching (ADT)
3 Asynchronous Teaching (AT)
4 Video Design/Teaching (VDT)
5 CBA will retain the REAL attribute.

Transitioning to New Modalities

As educational landscapes evolve, embracing innovative modalities such as online, hybrid, or blended learning becomes increasingly essential. Faculty members need to undergo training and professional development to effectively utilize new technologies and teaching methodologies. The table below shows the connection between the past UCF course modality and attributes, the current UCF course modalities, and the credential type required for each. 

Past Modality & Attributes New Modality New Credential Type1
W W ADT2 or AT3 (IDL, ADL, etc.)
M Flex M
RS Flex MR (20% classroom)
RS Flex or REAL RS (lecture capture)5 VDT4 (EOT, TLC etc.)
M Live w/video conferencing ML (livestream)
RS Live w/video conferencing RL (livestream)
V Live w/video conferencing VL (livestream)
V Flex w/video recordings V (lecture capture)

1 Review the Distributed Learning Guidelines page for a list of credential definitions.
2 Asynchronous Design/Teaching (ADT)
3 Asynchronous Teaching (AT)
4 Video Design/Teaching (VDT)
5 CBA will retain the REAL attribute.

About our Professional Development Courses

 Our Professional Development Courses offer a comprehensive array of training programs designed to empower faculty with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in today’s dynamic learning environment. From IDL6543, focusing on Asynchronous Design/Teaching, to ADL5000, for mastering Asynchronous Teaching methodologies, our courses cater to diverse teaching needs.