University Technology

During Fall 2026 this area of our website is being updated with new checklists and processes. These services are still happening and available. Please reach out to uTech's Online Teaching and Learning - OTL (OTL@wiu.edu) regarding requests for assistance and further information. We will provide an announcement when the new site information is ready. We appreciate your patience.

Get Started Teaching Online

Open the Teaching Online Slide Deck before you start the video.

The following process and requirements must be met before teaching your first online course at Western Illinois University.

Requirements

  1. If you have been assigned to develop a new online course or re-design an existing online course please request a One-on-One Course Design Consultation with an OTL Instructional Designer. 
  2. Register and complete the  Best Practices in Teaching Online (BPTO) course before the start date of the course you are assigned to teach. (Special circumstances may allow for completing the course concurrently with the online course you are teaching, but this is not recommended).
  3. Develop an Online Course Syllabus that adheres to WIU's Course Syllabus Policy and ensure that it meets the required accessibility guidelines. To get started, Download the Accessible Syllabus Template (.docx) and view OTL's Syllabus Template guidelines for more details.

  4. As per article 32.1-g of the faculty contract, all full time faculty shall maintain a schedule of at least four office hours per calendar week spread over at least three days. Additionally, faculty should also provide an opportunity for online students to contact them during this time as well. Please keep your remote students in mind and provide them with a method of contacting you during your office hours (i.e. office phone, email, Google Meet, etc.)

Popular Topics

  • Best Practices in Teaching Online Course (BPTO)
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    In this course, you will explore both the opportunities and the challenges of teaching online. You will experience online learning as both a student and an educator, building empathy for both roles. You will consider what is unique about learning online, as well as learning principles that stand consistent no matter what the delivery system. This online course is instructor‐facilitated and includes weekly discussions, individual and small group activities. Throughout the course, participants will construct a sample online course syllabus that considers course goals and objectives suitable for an online course, an online communications strategy, and the selection of student learning activities and assessments. Learn more about BPTO and Register

  • Online Syllabus Template
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    The Online Course Syllabus Template is an accessible template built in Microsoft Word that contains all of the required sections for an online course syllabus. Visit our Online Syllabus Template web page for additional information and resources.

  • Proctoring Exams Online
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    Online students should be able to complete their courses entirely online (unless noted before course registration) through WIU’s Learning Management System (Western Online), this includes most quizzes and examinations (Some high-stakes exams may still require live proctoring and that should be stated at the time students register for their online courses). Additionally, students participating in face-to-face or alternative learning formats may need the ability to take online examinations to complete course requirements.

    Currently, there are multiple options for administering and proctoring fully online examinations through Western Online. Get all of the necessary information by visiting our Creating Online Exams page.
  • Online Course Evaluation
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    The Online Course Evaluation (OCE) system is the online version of your end of course evaluations that your students fill out. Before using the OCE, faculty need to verify they have an approved instrument/evaluation (contact Raymond Lawson - RL-Lawson@wiu.edu). Only chairs and directors of the academic programs can set dates and retrieve course evaluations.

    Access the Online Course Evaluation System

    View the OTL tip sheet for Providing a Link to WIU's Online Course Evaluation Tool (Google Doc)

  • Office Hours for Online Courses
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    As per article 32.1-g of the faculty contract, all full time faculty shall maintain a schedule of at least four office hours per calendar week spread over at least three days. Additionally, faculty should also provide an opportunity for online students to contact them during this time as well. Please keep your remote students in mind and provide them with a method of contacting you during your office hours (i.e. office phone, email, Google Meet, etc.)