Instructor Resources

The eLearning plan seeks to align with the college strategic plan, key principles outlined in our SMCC values, and elements of the Maricopa Community College District Strategic plan.

  1. SMCC eLearning Plan
  2. Directions for Online Instructors
  3. SMCC Preparing to Teach Online
  4. eLearning Welcome Letter to Faculty
  5. eLearning Handbook

US Department of Education - Regular and Substantive Interaction in Online and Distance Learning

The U.S. Department of Education issued Final Rules on Distance Learning and Innovation in September 2020, with the rules going into effect on July 1, 2021. The new regulations update the definitions of distance and correspondence education with the intent to provide more clarity on the differences between these two modes of course delivery. The U.S. Department of Education requires that all online courses for which students may use Title IV funds (federal financial aid) include regular and substantive interaction between students and instructors. In short, regular and substantive interaction (RSI) is one of the key elements distinguishing distance education from correspondence education and thus one of the central determinates for students’ ability to use Title IV funds.

Canvas Faculty Support

There are several resources available for faculty to assist them in getting started with Canvas, support, and instructional design.

  1. Center for Teaching and Learning
    The CTL provides in-person support for learning Canvas, instructional design of courses, and troubleshooting Canvas issues. Contact the CTL at ctl@southmountaincc.edu to schedule an appointment or inquire about training and workshops. Information and an event of workshops may also be obtained from the CTL Website.
    ctl@southmountaincc.edu
    Phone: 602-243-8077
  2. 24x7 Toll Free Support Line
    Faculty needing support can contact 24x7 Toll Free Support Line at 888-994-4433 for basic Canvas questions. When needed support requests will be escalated to the Campus Canvas Support Team.
  3. Other Canvas Resources and Information
    Instructure’s Canvas Web Site
    How do I search the Canvas Guides?
  4. Supported Browser and Technical Requirements
    Which browser does Canvas support?
    What are the basic computer specifications for Canvas?