CURV 800 - Virtual Synchronous Teaching
Course Description
Effective virtual synchronous teaching is essential for educators in health professions to deliver engaging, interactive, and high-impact learning experiences. Whether you’re an experienced instructor or new to online education, this microcredential assesses your ability to design and facilitate live virtual sessions that enhance learner engagement and comprehension.
In Virtual Synchronous Teaching in Health Professions Education, you’ll demonstrate your expertise in developing and executing virtual teaching strategies that address the unique challenges of health professions education. From structuring dynamic, learner-centred sessions to leveraging technology for real-time interaction, this microcredential assesses the critical competencies required for effective virtual instruction.
You will also be required to:
- Design synchronous learning experiences that align with curriculum goals and best practices in health education
- Utilize digital tools to foster interaction, collaboration, and knowledge retention in virtual environments
- Apply evidence-based teaching strategies to enhance engagement and assess learner understanding in real time
Note: This microcredential includes a live audience requirement as part of the assessment. You are responsible for making all necessary arrangements to film an online or in-person session that demonstrates your competency. For more information about this requirement, contact the Curv Microcredentials team at jessica@torontomu.ca.
What to Expect
When you enrol in this microcredential, we will provide resources and exercises to refresh your skills in virtual teaching strategies. You will then complete an assessment demonstrating your ability, and an expert assessor will review your work and provide personalized feedback. If you meet our standard for expertise, you will earn a Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) Curv Microcredential from The Chang School, validating your ability to:
- Develop a structured, learner-centred synchronous session tailored to health professions education
- Apply evidence-based teaching strategies to enhance engagement and knowledge retention in a virtual setting
- Utilize digital tools and interactive elements to foster real-time participation and collaboration
- Implement best practices for facilitating discussions, managing group dynamics, and assessing learner understanding
For the assessment, you will:
- Be assigned a realistic scenario requiring you to design a synchronous virtual teaching plan tailored to the needs of health professions learners
- Use the provided template to create your lesson plan, including lesson objectives, engagement activities, and assessment methods
- Record a video walkthrough explaining your strategy, lesson delivery, and the rationale behind your teaching choices
Meet the Curv Creator
This microcredential was created by Heather MacNeill, MD BSc(PT) MScCH(HPTE) FRCPC, Interim Assistant Dean of Faculty Development at the TMU School of Medicine and Professor at the University of Toronto’s Temerty Faculty of Medicine. A PM&R physician, she has spent over a decade teaching, creating, and researching educational technologies in healthcare.
Who Should Take This Program?
This microcredential is designed for educators in health professions who want to enhance their ability to deliver engaging and effective virtual synchronous instruction. Whether you’re an experienced faculty member looking to refine your online teaching strategies or a new instructor transitioning to virtual education, this assessment-based microcredential validates your expertise in designing and facilitating interactive, learner-centred sessions.
You may have formal training in health education or have developed your teaching skills through hands-on experience, but what sets you apart is your commitment to delivering high-impact virtual learning experiences.
No matter your background, this microcredential demonstrates that you have the skills to create dynamic, technology-enhanced learning environments that foster engagement, collaboration, and real-time knowledge retention.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the requirements for this microcredential?
You should have foundational knowledge and skills before enrolling. If you can answer ‘yes’ to all of the following statements, you may be ready to enrol:
- Basic computer literacy (hardware, software, Internet, etc.)
- Experience with virtual teaching tools and platforms (e.g., Zoom, Google Meet)
- Familiarity with the principles of adult learning and synchronous teaching
- Proficiency in spoken and written English
- Knowledge of health professions education and the dynamics of virtual classroom environments
- Comfortable navigating video conferencing and online collaboration tools
What do I need to do for the assessment?
To complete the assessment, you will design a virtual synchronous teaching plan tailored to health professions education. You will:
- Use a provided scenario to develop a lesson plan that incorporates interactive activities and addresses learning outcomes.
- Create an engagement strategy for virtual sessions, utilizing polling, breakout rooms, and chat tools to foster active participation.
- Record a video of your lesson delivery showcasing virtual teaching strategies and tools to enhance learning.
- This assessment validates your ability to design and deliver a practical synchronous virtual lesson in a health professions context, ensuring learner engagement and successful content delivery.
What are the technological requirements for the assessment?
You will need the following tools:
- A stable internet connection (no minimum speed required)
- A computer with an internet browser (e.g., Chrome, Edge, Safari, Firefox; Chrome is recommended for optimal experience)
- A webcam and microphone for recording your lesson delivery
- A mobile phone* capable of receiving SMS text messages for two-factor authentication
Why do I need a mobile phone?
You will need a mobile device for two-factor authentication to access the my.torontomu.ca portal and the micro credential environment (D2L Brightspace)
How much time do I have to complete the assessment after enrolling?
Your microcredential will last for six weeks. During the first two weeks, you will have access to the microcredential environment (D2L Brightspace) to explore the supporting materials and complete practice activities. These materials are self-paced and can take approximately 2 to 7 hours, depending on your experience.
Starting in the third week, you will have access to the assessment scenario and materials. You can open the assessment window and complete it any time during the second week. The assessment is time-limited, and it is recommended that you follow the suggested time limit (e.g., three hours) outlined in the Assessment Information section.
What are my support options?
Upon enrolling, you will have access to refresher resources and exercises. Your expert assessor will be available through the D2L Support Forum for any questions prior to the assessment. If you have any questions or experience any technical issues, you may contact Toronto Metropolitan University’s Computing and Communications Services (CCS) by email or phone.
What happens once I complete the assessment?
You will receive your result from an expert assessor one week after completing the assessment.
- If you meet the criteria and pass the assessment, you will receive a shareable Curv microcredential digital credential from The Chang School at Toronto Metropolitan University. This credential can be shared on your LinkedIn profile, personal website, or anywhere you wish to showcase your achievements.
- If you do not pass the assessment, you may re-enroll in the next offering of this microcredential. Be sure to review your feedback and ensure you fill any gaps in knowledge or skills before re-registering.