OP-TEC Hybrid, Online, Self-Paced Photonics Faculty Development Course
Course 1: Fundamentals of Light and Lasers
Online Course Description
OP-TEC, the National Center for Optics and Photonics Education, is a National Science Foundation (NSF) National Center of Excellence with the mission of promoting photonics education and assisting colleges around the United States in developing and implementing educational programs that support expansion of this critical technology.
OP-TEC offers a hybrid, online faculty development course in optics and photonics. This Open Entry/Open Exit course has been developed for faculty whose schedules demand a more flexible course timeline. It is perfect for busy faculty who might have difficulty keeping up with weekly assignments in a “scheduled” course but who would have a period or periods of time during the semester or school year that would allow them to complete assignments and exams independently and at their own pace. It is also an excellent opportunity for junior faculty, adjunct faculty, and lab technicians who may need to prepare to teach a college level or dual credit introductory photonics course.
This online course is being offered at no charge to U.S. high school, community college and technical college faculty interested in teaching a basic photonics course.
The course will cover OP-TEC’s Fundamentals of Light and Lasers.
Fundamentals of Light and Lasers Modules:
- Module 1: Nature and Properties of Light
- Module 2: Optical Handling and Positioning
- Module 3: Light Sources and Laser Safety
- Module 4: Basic Geometrical Optics
- Module 5: Basic Physical Optics
- Module 6: Principles of Lasers
The course is facilitated by an instructor experienced in teaching photonics concepts at the college level and will require a high level of independent self-paced instruction. The six modules will be completed online and through email with the instructor. Though this course is self-paced, participants must pass all six End of Module tests by May 31, 2017 to be eligible to attend the Capstone Laboratory Experience or receive a certificate of completion. After successful completion of all six modules, participants are highly encouraged to participate in a 3-day Capstone Laboratory Experience at an OP-TEC partner college where they will have the opportunity to conduct most of the laboratory experiments included in the course and discuss with experienced instructors best practices for teaching the materials. Participants who successfully complete the online course and the 3-day hands-on laboratory session will receive a certificate of completion from OP-TEC and may be eligible to apply for 9 CEUs from an OP-TEC partner college.
Additional course details, contact information and application instructions are provided below!
Online Course Details
- Intended Audience:
This online course is designed for high school, community college and technical college faculty interested in teaching a basic photonics course. - Dates:
This is an Open Entry/Open Exit course available September 1, 2016, through May 31, 2017. Though this course is self-paced, participants must pass all six End of Module tests by May 31, 2017, to be eligible to attend a Capstone Laboratory Experience or receive a certificate of completion. The 3-day laboratory session will occur in June 2017. - Location:
The course content will be completed online. After successful completion of all six modules by May 31, 2017, participants are highly encouraged to participate in a 3-day Capstone Laboratory Experience in June 2017 at Indian Hills Community College in Ottumwa, Iowa, where where they will have the opportunity to conduct most of the laboratory experiments included in the course and discuss with experienced instructors best practices for teaching the materials. Capstone dates and travel information will be provided to enrolled faculty in January 2017. - Certificate of Completion & CEUs:
Participants who successfully complete the online course and the 3-day hands-on laboratory session will receive a certificate of completion from OP-TEC and may apply for 9 CEUs from an OP-TEC partner college. Participants who successfully complete the online portion of the course only, will receive a certificate of completion for the online portion. - Cost:
The online course is offered at no charge. Participants will be responsible for all travel and lodging expenses to attend the 3-day Capstone Laboratory Experience. - Computer Requirements:
To complete this course, participants must have access to a computer, printer, telephone/cell phone, and Internet access. Participants will utilize a Blackboard course platform and email. - Materials:
Course Materials include student text, curriculum guide, videos, and applets. Course materials will be provided electronically at no charge. - Instructors:
This course will be facilitated by an instructor experienced in teaching photonics concepts at the college level. - Application Instructions:
Applications are accepted online or by email. Applicants will be notified by email of their application status.
Once accepted to participate in the course, applicants will receive additional course information and materials by email.
(or, click here to download printable application form, complete and scan to op-tec@op-tec.org)
For More Information:
For additional information, please call 254-751-9000 or e-mail op-tec@op-tec.org.
OP-TEC Contact Information:
OP-TEC: National Center for Optics and Photonics Education
316 Kelly Drive
Waco, TX 76710
Phone: 254-751-9000
E-mail: op-tec@op-tec.org
Web: www.op-tec.org
