LX (Learning Experience) Pathways

UPCEA has partnered with iDesign to offer LX Pathways – online, self-paced learning opportunities. These competency-based learning options address the role-specific skills required of instructional technologists, learning architects, and online instructors with a focus on quality and leadership in the field and offer the following features:

Beginning and advanced levels.
Online, self-paced, modularized content, allowing you to choose what you want to learn.
UPCEA members receive a 10% discount on all pathways.
Learners receive microcredentials upon completion of the associated tracks.

Competencies cover everything from the basics of learning management systems to universal design for learning (UDL), backward design, and project management. LX Pathways offers both self-paced and direct-feedback coaching options. In addition, participants can earn digital stackable credentials and certificates to showcase their learning experience and enhance your résumé, CV, or professional web presence on LinkedIn.

Online Teaching Pathway – Free Introductory Modules!

Designed for educators who are interested in a basic introduction to online teaching, this competency-based learning pathway covers the fundamental knowledge and skills needed to support your learners with care, empathy, and compassion. The experience will introduce you to both the theoretical and practical aspects of teaching online. Complete the competencies, and you'll learn about the myths of online learning, the community of inquiry (CoI) model, and how to leverage your teaching, cognitive, and social presence to engage online students.

The Online Instructor Pathway comprises five core competencies that are aligned to relevant content, practice activities, and self-assessments. The modules are based on the community of inquiry (CoI) model and include:

Myths of online teaching and learning
Introduction to the community of inquiry
Teaching presence
Social presence
Cognitive presence

Instructional Technologist

The Instructional Technologist (IT) competency-based learning pathway covers the fundamental knowledge and skills required to be a successful IT professional. The experience offers the opportunity to engage with both theoretical and practical aspects of working in this field. Follow the IT Pathway and you'll learn about everything from the principles of good visual design to learner accessibility and video, audio, and image editing.

The IT Pathway comprises 11 core competencies aligned to relevant content, practice activities, and self-assessments. The competencies are grouped into thematic sets called "Tracks" —complete one successfully, and you can earn a digital badge in the following:

Learning Theories and Design Models
User Experience
Educational Technology and Accessibility
Product Management Soft Skills
LX Pathways Portfolio Experience is available for this path (includes coaching support to create a personalized digital portfolio)

Learning Architect

If you are dedicated to improving and enhancing accessible education options for adult learners—and you like the idea of working with team members and faculty to accomplish this—then consider exploring the Learning Architect pathway. Learning architects bring special expertise to the curation and creation of online course materials. The pathway experience is designed to lead you through the steps needed to acquire that expertise.

The Learning Architect pathway consists of 13 core competencies that cover foundational knowledge and skills that a successful learning architect needs. The competencies are grouped into thematic sets called "Tracks" —complete one successfully, and you can earn a digital badge in the following:

Learning Theories and Design Models
Student Experience
Educational Technology
Design Project Leadership
LX Pathways Portfolio Experience is available for this path (includes coaching support to create a personalized digital portfolio)

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