About Us
Overview
Course Development & Web Services (CDWS) is a learning organization within the division of Information Technologies and Resources at the University of Central Florida (UCF).
CDWS was originally formed out of a need to develop and deliver strategies and guidelines for UCF faculty venturing into the world of online teaching and learning. Since its inception, CDWS' responsibilities have expanded to encompass a broad spectrum of Web-based initiatives. This has been divided into three main areas of focus:
- Online Teaching & Learning
- Web Services
- Professional Programs
Mission & Goals
The mission of Course Development & Web Services is to support teaching, learning, and research by being "all things Web" to UCF and its partners, helping UCF achieve its strategic goals with advanced applications of instructional and information technology. Services are provided systematically through professional development programs, consultations, projects, production, technical support, R&D, and other collaborative efforts.
- Support and promote UCF faculty in the development of high quality, instructionally sound learning environments for online programs.
- Support UCF's student success within online environments.
- Research, develop, and maintain enterprise applications for UCF to aid the university in achieving its strategic goals of using advanced applications for instructional and information technology.
- Provide services, resources, and professional development opportunities to campus faculty and staff in the areas of online teaching and learning, and Web development.
- Collaborate and partner with academic institutions and government agencies throughout the global community who share similar visions and goals.
What We Do
CDWS leverages the latest advances in technology to meet the ever-changing and increasing demands for Web-based applications. To meet its mission, CDWS has three areas of focus:
Online Teaching & Learning
The goal of online teaching and learning at UCF is to facilitate the creation of high quality instructionally sound courses for the online arena. Based upon extensive research, CDWS has developed conventions for online courses as well as a support system for faculty teaching in the online environment.
The Instructional Design team presents the CDWS award-winning faculty development program, IDL6543, to faculty wanting to transform face-to-face classes into online instruction. Production support for course creation and online materials is provided by various teams within CDWS including Techrangers (sm), Digital Media, New Media, and Video Convergence.
A strong emphasis is placed on creating courses that are easy to maintain by both faculty and CDWS. To help faculty learn the skills necessary for Web page maintenance, the unit offers professional development programs throughout the year. CDWS also provides online support for faculty through the Teaching Online Web site, and student support is available through the Learning Online Web site.
Web Services
CDWS has responsibility for campus Web services, and researches and develops Web applications for the university. This includes continuous development and management of the main UCF Web site, the myUCF Web portal, the ePay commerce system, and other enterprise applications.
Departmental support is provided through the management of Web projects, application development, and online Web Development Resources (WDR).
Professional Programs
In addition to providing ongoing professional development for faculty and staff at UCF, an outreach effort has been created to develop collaborative relationships with other institutions outside the university. CDWS provides on-site consultation, analysis, and professional development services for universities, community colleges, and government agencies throughout the United States who share our vision and goals.
For more information on professional development offerings available through CDWS, please visit the Professional Development at CDWS Web site.