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Institutionally, MiraCosta has three complementary organizations supporting faculty learning about online teaching: the Professional Development Program (PDP), the C³ Teaching & Learning Center, and the Online Education department. Additionally, some academic departments provide class shells, resources, mentoring, structured professional development, and/or other forms of support to faculty teaching online - be sure to check with your department chair.

This page primarily details the structure through which faculty receive professional learning support for online teaching at MiraCosta. For more details about specific professional learning opportunities and resources, see page 7.5 in this handbook.

Professional Development Program (PDP)

PDP coordinates MiraCosta's FLEX program, which provides faculty workshops as well as the structure which enables faculty to document their required hours for completing FLEX activities. Many FLEX workshops are offered during FLEX week, which occurs at the start of each fall and spring semester; others occur during the semester. Many FLEX workshops are recorded and viewing the recordings anytime is also FLEX-eligible. For example, check out an extensive set of recorded workshops coordinated by MiraCosta Online Education.

View the PDP FAQ and join the PDP Canvas site to learn more about PDP and FLEX, and to participate in a variety of discussions about all manner of topics important to faculty. And be on the lookout for emails and other communication from Aaron Roberts, MiraCosta's current PDP coordinator.

C³ Teaching & Learning Center

The C³ Teaching & Learning Center officially opened in the summer of 2019. Currently temporarily located in OC T250, a portable near the parking/campus police office, it offers space for faculty events and meetings, individual and collaborative work, exploration and innovation, and access to a number of specialized hardware and software tools. All MiraCosta faculty can access the space 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.

The C³ TLC's Joyful Teacher in Residence is Erica Duran for 2025-26. Contact her for more details about use of the C3 space.

Online Education faculty and classified professionals

We offer online and in-person workshops through PDP/FLEX, as well as individual and group consultation and support with faculty as needed. Our offices are co-located with the C³ Teaching & Learning Center for easy access and collaboration. Check out the Online Education website for tons of resources related to online teaching, Canvas, and other technologies supported for your use at MiraCosta. For all the details related to ways to get help with Canvas, please refer to the MiraCosta Canvas Support Resources page from earlier in this handbook.

Jim Julius, Faculty Coordinator of Online Education. Jim works with all college stakeholders to provide leadership, innovation, and collaboration for equitable and successful online learning and teaching.
Karen Turpin, Online Instructional Technologist. Karen provides expert support in the use of Canvas and other online instructional technologies used with Canvas, as well as integration of Canvas with SURF and other MiraCosta enterprise systems.
Nadia Khan, Instructional Designer. Nadia is available to help individual faculty or departments with course design and teaching issues, including enhancing online classes and materials for student equity and success. Schedule an appointment with Nadia.
Stephanie Kelley, OER/ZTC Instructional Designer. Stephanie supports faculty working on adopting, adapting, and creating OER and ZTC materials, and revising their Canvas courses and instructional activities. Schedule an appointment with Stephanie.

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