Harrisburg University’s 12-credit Online Instruction Certificate prepares educators, trainers, and instructional design professionals to create, facilitate, and assess effective online, blended, and technology-enhanced learning experiences.
Designed for professionals working in K–12 education, higher education, corporate training, and nonprofit or professional learning environments, the certificate emphasizes practical, evidence-based strategies for high-quality instruction across delivery modalities. Through a structured sequence of courses, students develop foundational competencies in:
- Instructional design
- Inclusive and accessible course development
- Learner-centered facilitation
- Data-informed assessment
Program Goals
Program Goal 1: Develop online instruction that reflects national standards for quality online teaching.
1.1 Foundations of Teaching: Apply best practices in instruction, current pedagogy, and educational technology.
1.2 High-Quality Online Instruction: Use the primary concepts and structures of online instruction to create high-quality learning experiences.
1.3 Learner Engagement Technologies: Evaluate existing and emerging technologies to support learning and engagement in online instruction.
1.4 Diversity of Learner Needs: Recognize the diversity of learners’ academic needs and incorporate accommodations into the design of online environments.
Program Goal 2: Deliver online instruction that models evidence-based teaching standards.
2.1 Active Learning: Implement strategies to encourage engaged, hands-on learning in online instruction.
2.2 Learner Success: Promote learner success through clear expectations, prompt responses, and regular, substantive feedback.
2.3 Diverse Learning Experiences: Incorporate accommodations into the facilitation of online instruction to address the diversity of learners’ academic needs.
MASTER EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES
Coursework integrates established instructional design frameworks with emerging technologies – including artificial intelligence (AI), multimedia tools, and learning analytics – enabling students to thoughtfully evaluate and apply technology in support of learning goals. Emphasis is placed on Universal Design for Learning (UDL), ethical technology use, and culturally responsive teaching practices to ensure equitable and engaging learning environments.
EXPERIENCE APPLIED LEARNING
The certificate is highly applied and experiential by design. Across all four courses, students curate a professional portfolio that demonstrates their ability to design, implement, and refine online instruction grounded in learner needs, data analysis, and reflective practice.
EARN STACKABLE CREDENTIALS
As a stackable credential, the Online Instruction Certificate may be completed as a standalone program or applied toward the Master of Science in Learning Technologies and Media Systems, allowing learners to build graduate student credentials progressively while advancing their professional expertise.
Program Courses
The Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Online Instruction is a 12-semester-hour program that consists of four required core courses:
LDAT 510 –
Foundations of Learning Design Across Instructional Delivery Modes
(3 credits)
In this hands-on course, students explore the ADDIE model (Analyze, Design, Develop, Implement, Evaluate) of instructional design as a framework for building effective, engaging, and inclusive instruction across all delivery formats. Students develop skills in using cutting-edge AI-powered tools to streamline workflows, design aligned assessments, and create instructional materials tailored to diverse learners.
Each phase of the course includes real-world application, peer feedback, and opportunities to reflect and refine content development. By the end of the course, students begin building a professional instructional design portfolio that showcases their ability to develop dynamic, accessible lessons ready for implementation.
LDAT 515 –
Facilitating Engaging Instruction Across Delivery Modes
(3 credits)
Today’s classrooms – whether online, hybrid, or in person – demand more than lectures. This course equips educators with the strategies, tools, and mindset needed to deliver learner-centered facilitation. The student will explore how to foster active learning, promote student voice, and build trust across diverse learning environments.
Alongside hands-on practice, students use AI tools to co-design lesson components, discussion guides, and engagement strategies. By the end of the course, students will have developed a ready-to-use portfolio of flexible, inclusive learning artifacts that elevate learner motivation and instructional impact across modalities.
LDAT 530 –
Assessment and Data-Driven Instruction
(3 credits)
This course empowers students to design effective, equitable, and standards-aligned assessments while leveraging the power of data to drive instruction. Students explore formative, summative, authentic, and performance-based assessments, interpret classroom data, and use that data to improve learner outcomes.
Throughout the course, students integrate AI tools to streamline assessment development, feedback, and analysis to make informed instructional decisions. With an emphasis on equity, differentiation, and learner-centered design, this course culminates in a professional portfolio showcasing each student’s growth in assessment literacy and data-informed instruction.
LDAT 540 –
Emerging Technologies and Trends in Learning Design
(3 credits)
This course examines how emerging digital tools and media can be ethically, legally, and effectively integrated across learning modalities. Students explore digital citizenship, confidentiality, and professional communication practices while analyzing current trends such as artificial intelligence, immersive learning, and adaptive technologies.
Emphasis is placed on responsible technology use, stakeholder collaboration, and strategic media design to support knowledge transfer and learner success.
