What are local, independent course runs?
A local, independent course run is a mode of course delivery for individual cohorts of learners, run locally and independently by trained facilitators. We used to call this the off-cycle option, and now call it local, independent course runs.
Our free, global course that runs twice per year on edX works for many, but not all. Each institution may have different social practices and academic processes, so modalities of course delivery have been adapted to have wider impact. Learning communities associated with the local, independent course runs may prefer to meet every other week, extending the time, or as a few day-long short courses or in a boot camp format. Some prefer teaching professional development in the summer, or intersession, or connected to other inclusion-focused projects and pathways at their institution.
Resources:
Video 1: Rationale
Video 2: Process and procedures
Benefits of local, independent course runs:
- Course is scheduled at a time best for learners
- Flexible pacing
- Flexible start and end dates
- Course expectations can be tailored
- All videos, worksheets, individual reflections, and My Inclusivity Framework questions are operational
- Conversation starters are provided
- Local learning community meetings provide more in-depth examination of the course content
- Learners who complete course requirements will earn a certificate
- Inclusive Teaching administrators are available for support and resources
Local, independent course runs already implemented:
- Boston University
- Broward College/Community College
- Dalton State
- Georgia Tech
- Michigan Technical University
- Pacific University
- University of Connecticut
- University of Michigan
- University of Rhode Island
- University of Utah
Hear from facilitators how they implemented a local, independent course run:
Broward College Local, Independent Course Run Slides
Georgia Tech Local Independent Course Run Slides
Pre-requisites for hosting a local, independent course run:
- Facilitation team has been trained by the Inclusive STEM Teaching Project (for more information on how to apply for facilitator training, click here)
- Familiarity with the course content; have taken the course via edX and/or led an Inclusive STEM Teaching Project learning community (for more information about the course and registration, click here.)
- Willingness to take on a small amount of administration, like providing lists of participants, sending weekly communications to learners, etc.
contact:
inclusivestemteaching@gmail.com