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Graduate Distance Learning (GDL)

Welcome to the Graduate Distance Programs (GDL) unit within the Office of the Provost at Fordham University. GDL is committed to advancing the quality and accessibility of online graduate education at Fordham by providing strategic consulting, comprehensive faculty support, and fostering innovation in online teaching and learning. 

About Us

Design Programs

  • Design a New Online Program

    Building a new academic program involves careful planning, alignment with institutional goals, and a focus on delivering meaningful learning experiences. The resources offer:

    • Step-by-step guides to define program goals, structure curricula, and map learning outcomes.
    • Best practices for designing programs that cater to diverse learners.
    • Tools to evaluate market demand and ensure program relevance.

    Whether you’re starting from scratch or refining a concept, these resources will support you through every phase of development, from idea to implementation.

  • Design an Online Version of an Existing Program

    Transitioning a traditional program to an online format requires thoughtful adaptation to maintain academic quality and engage learners effectively. The resources offer:

    • Step-by-step guidance for converting in-person courses into dynamic online experiences.
    • Strategies to align program outcomes with online delivery methods.
    • Best practices for leveraging technology to enhance accessibility and interactivity.

    These resources will help you navigate the process, ensuring your program is well-designed, scalable, and ready to meet the needs of online learners.

Design Courses

  • Design a New Online Course

    Creating an online course from scratch allows you to craft an engaging, learner-centered experience tailored to your audience. The resources offer:

    • Step-by-step guidance on designing course goals, learning objectives, and assessments.
    • Best practices for structuring course content to promote active learning.
    • Tools to incorporate multimedia, interactive elements, and accessible design.

    These resources will support you in building a robust and engaging online course that meets the needs of diverse learners.

  • Refresh an Existing Course

    Refreshing a course ensures that content stays relevant, engaging, and aligned with best practices in online learning. The resources offer:

    • Strategies for updating course materials and incorporating the latest research or trends.
    • Tools for evaluating and enhancing the effectiveness of course design and delivery.
    • Practical tips to integrate new technologies and improve learner engagement.

    Use these resources to give your course a modern, impactful update.

  • Instructional Design Tools

    Simplify the course design and revision process with powerful tools tailored to your needs. The resources offer:

    • Course Design Helper: A step-by-step guide designed for instructors new to online course creation, supporting the development of course goals, learning objectives, and module outcomes.
    • Instructional Design Wizard: An advanced tool for experienced instructors to streamline and enhance course updates.

    These tools, used in collaboration with an instructional designer, provide practical support to ensure your courses are well-structured, engaging, and effective.

Faculty Development

Discover a range of workshops, webinars, and training sessions designed to support your work in online teaching. The resources offer:

  • Access to a comprehensive calendar of workshops, webinars, and training sessions.
  • Opportunities to learn best practices in course design, technology integration, and learner engagement.
  • Support for building confidence in delivering effective online instruction.

Whether you're new to online teaching or looking to refine your skills, these professional development opportunities are designed to meet your needs.

Training Calendar