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School of Arts, Humanities & Education

K-12 Online Learning

Online Graduate Certificate in K-12 Online Learning

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$0 Application Fee
$0 Transfer Credit Evaluation
0 Entrance Exams
No GRE/GMAT Required

About This Program

Develop personalized learning techniques and understand the ethical and legal issues associated with online learning by enrolling in the K-12 online learning certificate program at American Public University (APU).

APU’s graduate program focuses on the teaching approaches, technology tools, and pertinent skills needed to teach in online, face-to-face, and hybrid instructional settings. The program itself is provided online.

You will analyze how to make online teaching more effective, learn appropriate technology tools to facilitate online classes, and create educational activities that align with diverse needs of learners using technology. Coursework includes animation-based assignments, case studies, and problem-based scenarios. Subject matter can focus on your interests—from grant writing for technology funding to technology integration across content areas.

NOTE: This program has specific admission requirements.

What You Will Do

  1. Analyze effective teaching and assessment approaches
  2. Evaluate ethical and legal issues related to online learning
  3. Apply various tools to facilitate effective online learning
  4. Create instructional activities that support the diverse needs of online learners

Program at a Glance

Number of Credits
18
Transfer up to 9 credits
Cost Per Credit
$370 | $250*
*with military grant
Courses Start Monthly
Online
and vary from 8 to 16 weeks

Program Requirements Printable Catalog Version

Must take all courses for this section.

Course ID: 4355

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This course examines the similarities and differences of the learning needs and abilities of adult and younger learners. The course emphasizes differentiated instruction and course development as applicable to adult and K-12 learners in traditional, virtual, and hybrid contexts. Topics include a historical perspective; diversity; andragogy versus pedagogy in the online classroom; trends and issues with technology education and online education; LMS elements; and basics of grant writing/technology grant writing. (Candidates in the M. Ed. Teaching-Concentration in Secondary Social Studies program must take the 16-week course version per the West Virginia Board of Education-no exceptions.)
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
08/31/21 - 02/04/22 02/07/22 - 04/03/22 Winter 2022 Session I 8 Week session
09/28/21 - 03/04/22 03/07/22 - 05/01/22 Winter 2022 Session D 8 Week session
10/26/21 - 04/01/22 04/04/22 - 05/29/22 Spring 2022 Session B 8 Week session
11/30/21 - 04/29/22 05/02/22 - 06/26/22 Spring 2022 Session I 8 Week session
12/28/21 - 06/03/22 06/06/22 - 07/31/22 Spring 2022 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 4356

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This course will focus on the issue of ownership of certain types of intellectual property on the internet, which has become a critical issue with different technological platforms, digital tools, and apps becoming so prevalent in our schools and culture. In this course online, face-to-face, and hybrid educators, or candidates, will learn about the different types of potential copyright infringement and its implication for course development. There will be an attempt to dispel the common notion that since material is readily available on the internet, it is now public domain and is free from copyright concerns. (Candidates in the M. Ed. Teaching-Concentration in Secondary Social Studies program must take the 16-week course version per the West Virginia Board of Education-no exceptions.)
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
09/28/21 - 03/04/22 03/07/22 - 05/01/22 Winter 2022 Session D 8 Week session
12/28/21 - 06/03/22 06/06/22 - 07/31/22 Spring 2022 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 4357

|
In this course candidates will develop an understanding of the structure of the different types of software/genres (e. g. application, drill and practice, tutorial and simulation), and their effect on raising student achievement. Candidates will gain an appreciation for the types of online learning experiences that will enhance the online student experience. Scholarly literature that addresses student achievement gains via technology will be examined. Candidates will be introduced to a typology for software and interactive web experiences that predict the effect of student achievement based on the unique features of interactive product. (Candidates in the M. Ed. Teaching-Concentration in Secondary Social Studies program must take the 16-week course version per the West Virginia Board of Education-no exceptions.)
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
08/31/21 - 02/04/22 02/07/22 - 04/03/22 Winter 2022 Session I 8 Week session
09/28/21 - 03/04/22 03/07/22 - 05/01/22 Winter 2022 Session D 8 Week session
11/30/21 - 04/29/22 05/02/22 - 06/26/22 Spring 2022 Session I 8 Week session

Course ID: 4358

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In this course students will examine various approaches to the assessment of online learning. The assessment will be focused toward a specific singular online offering in that students will learn to evaluate whether the online course achieved its goals and that effective instruction has actually occurred. Comprehensive models of assessment such as Stufflebeam’s CIPP model will be applied to the evaluation of an entire program. This model will look at all aspects of instruction, such as frequent evaluation of textbooks and curriculum frameworks. (Candidates in the M. Ed. Teaching-Concentration in Secondary Social Studies program must take the 16-week course version per the West Virginia Board of Education-no exceptions.)
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
08/31/21 - 02/04/22 02/07/22 - 04/03/22 Winter 2022 Session I 8 Week session
10/26/21 - 04/01/22 04/04/22 - 05/29/22 Spring 2022 Session B 8 Week session
12/28/21 - 06/03/22 06/06/22 - 07/31/22 Spring 2022 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 4984

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This course will examine the different technological platforms, digital tools, and apps that have emerged and are appropriate for online, face-to-face, and hybrid learning environments, with a focus on online learning. Candidates, or course participants, learn about the potential for using social networking sites as vehicles for effective communication that can promote as well as inform. Candidates, or students, will explore writing applications for Apple proprietary products such as iPhone and iPad and other smart phones and tablet devices. Candidates will be exposed to cloud computing, WebQuests, and collaboration tools to be better prepared to integrate technology into K-16 instruction in ways that promote learners connecting, engaging, interacting, creating, problem-solving, and experiencing immersive learning.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
08/31/21 - 02/04/22 02/07/22 - 04/03/22 Winter 2022 Session I 8 Week session
11/30/21 - 04/29/22 05/02/22 - 06/26/22 Spring 2022 Session I 8 Week session

Choose 3 credit hours from this section.

Course ID: 4361

|
This advanced graduate course will examine the current best practices for personalization for each individual student in our K-16 classrooms. Personalization is closely related to two additionally important terms: individualization and differentiation. All three terms require a shift from a teacher-centered approach to an authentic student-centered approach. A true student-centered focus requires tailoring of lessons to the abilities, interests, preferences, future life dreams, socio-emotional attributes, and other needs of individual students. The course examines motivation, assessment, and technological tools and how they pertain to personalization in online, face-to-face and hybrid contexts. (Candidates in the M. Ed. Teaching-Concentration in Secondary Social Studies program must take the 16-week course version per the West Virginia Board of Education-no exceptions.)
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
10/26/21 - 04/01/22 04/04/22 - 05/29/22 Spring 2022 Session B 8 Week session

Courses Start Monthly

Next Courses Start Feb 7
Register by Feb 4
Apply Now Request Info

Admission Requirements

All APU master's degree and graduate programs require a bachelor’s degree (or higher) from an institution whose accreditation is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

In addition, the following is required for admission into this program. All documentation must be provided prior to course registration:

  • A minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.5
  • Official bachelor’s or master’s transcript showing conferral of degree
  • Graduate writing sample
  • Statement of Understanding (SOU)

Please read all graduate admission requirements before applying to this program and be prepared to submit the required documentation including a legible copy of your valid government-issued photo ID (civilian students) or government-issued JST or CCAF transcript (military students).

If you have a non-U.S. transcript, please view our International Admissions page for more information.

There is no fee to complete the APU admission application. View steps to apply.
 

IMPORTANT NOTES

  • This graduate certificate program does not lead to state certification or licensure, nor can it be used to maintain state licensure or certification. We strongly encourage you to explore your state-specific requirements prior to applying here in order to make an informed decision. In addition, you may email our coordinator of certification and licensure at [email protected]
  • As of November 1, 2014, a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.5 is required for admission into this program
  • You are required to take EDUC621 as the first course in this degree program, but other courses may be taken in conjunction with EDUC621

An APU admissions representative will contact you via email or phone to assist you with the enrollment process, review your documentation, and notify you when you have been admitted into the program and may register for courses.

Materials Cost

Technology fee: $65 per course | $0 for active-duty military, National Guard members, and Reservists.

Need Help?

Selecting the right program to meet your educational goals is a key step in ensuring a successful outcome. If you are unsure of which program to choose, or need more information, please contact an APU admissions representative at 877-755-2787 or [email protected].

Quality Education Should Be Affordable

So you can focus on the opportunities ahead, without the financial burden of more expensive schools who are not as invested in your success. Learn more about paying for school.

Consumer Information

Department of Education and State Disclosures

For information on costs, median debt, state licensure requirements and more, view the gainful employment disclosures and the program disclosures for Maryland residents.

 

*Cost Per Credit Hour

To minimize out-of-pocket costs, U.S. active-duty servicemembers, their spouse/dependents, National Guard members, and Reservists receive a tuition grant that caps undergraduate, master's degree, and graduate certificate tuition at $250/credit hour. In addition, a university book grant provides no-cost textbooks and ebooks for all undergraduates and military-tuition-grant-eligible master’s-level students.
See all military student benefits.