4. Online Instruction

This section describes the roles and responsibilities of Online Instructors and Teaching Assistants.

4.1 Online Instructors

4.1.1 Role

Online instructors are typically part-time employees who meet the requirements definedby Online Learning. The hiring of online instructors is approved by their respective academic departments and ecclesiastical leaders, as well as Online Learning. Online instructors report through the Online Instruction Department.

Online Instruction and academic departments work together to accomplish the purposes of the University and individual programs. Departments refer online instructor-related matters to the Online Instruction team. The Online Instruction team refers content-related matters to the Department.

As they teach from the designed curriculum, online instructors inspire and cultivate skills and testimonies of students enrolled in online courses. Online instructors contribute to the continuous improvement of courses by presenting ideas to the ACL.

4.1.2 Responsibilities

1. Build faith in Jesus Christ.
2. Develop relationships with and among students.
3. Inspire a love for learning.
4. Embrace university citizenship.
5. Seek development opportunities.
6. Teach online courses as designed by Curriculum Development and the Course Council.
7. Build and strengthen peer instructors through teaching groups and community.
8. Recommend course improvement ideas through the ACL.

See also: Instructor Handbook

4.1.3 Probation and Termination

When online instructors fall short of standards, established procedures help instructors make necessary improvements. If they fail to demonstrate required improvements, a joint committee from Online Instruction and Online Employment and Scheduling convenes to carefully review the case and determine an outcome: probation or termination.

PROBATION

Once on probation, instructors are assigned a coach who provides an improvement plan. Improvement plans typically span between seven weeks and one semester. Department chairs and online associate deans are notified and given explanation when online instructors are placed on probation. Future contracts are put on hold pending the outcome of probation.

TERMINATION

When online instructors are terminated, any existing contracts are cancelled and the instructors receive no further online teaching contracts with BYU-Idaho. If termination occurs after an unsuccessful probation period, but on similar grounds, the online associate dean and department chair are notified and given an explanation of the decision.

The Online Instruction team seeks department chair approval if instructors are recommended for termination without a probation period or if the grounds for termination are substantially different than those for probation.

4.2 Teaching Assistants

4.2.1 Role

Online teaching assistants (TAs) are hourly, part-time student employees hired to assist online instructors in the facilitation of online courses. TAs may be BYU-Idaho campus or online students. The principles that define an online TA’s role include the following:

1. TAs perform responsibilities outlined in the Course Map and Lesson Notes and are accountable to the online instructor.
2. TAs are hired and managed through the Online Learning organization.

4.2.2 Purpose

The purpose of an online TA is to increase the quality, reach, and cost effectiveness of an online course offering. This is accomplished in two ways:

1. Reducing instructor load: online TAs may grade assignments, assist in  facilitation of course discussion, conduct study sessions, etc. in order to more strategically leverage instructor expertise and time with students.
2. Engaging with students in a mentoring capacity: online TAs may conduct study sessions, conduct one-on-one tutoring, etc. as dictated by course design and managed by the online instructor.

The TA role is self-funded. Section size could be increased proportionally to accommodate TA wages. For example, for every 10 TA hours utilized in the course, the Course Council should consider increasing the course cap by 10 students.

4.2.3 Responsibilities

TA responsibilities fall within three categories:

1. Grade and provide feedback
2. Facilitate and participate in course and group discussions
3. Facilitate live meetings with students

While course specific TA responsibilities are outlined in a course’s Lesson Notes, the TA and online instructor should communicate regularly to establish a working relationship and coordinate how responsibilities will be executed. Online instructors should communicate how and when the outlined responsibilities are administered. While a TA is hired to assist the online instructor, ultimately, it is the online instructor that is accountable for course facilitation, including upholding the Online Instructor Standards.

4.2.4 Hiring and Ongoing Evaluation

Qualifications for hiring an online TA are determined during course development by the course council. They determine course council involvement in selecting individual candidates. Things to consider when pondering hiring qualifications:

• Required skills
• Required Experience
• Level of subject matter expertise

Changes to hiring qualifications after a course has been scaled need to be approved by the Course Council.

The Online Learning organization facilitates the following regarding TA hiring and management:

• Hiring and scheduling
• Onboarding and training
• Ongoing development
• Evaluation
• Dismissal

Quality of TA performance is determined by the online instructor. If the instructor reports to their teaching group leader that a TA is performing poorly, the Online Learning organization carries out the appropriate action, whether it be remediation or termination.