CFITrainer.Net Launches Instructor Mode

CFITrainer.Net has launched Instructor Mode, a new feature that allows instructors to use CFITrainer.Net modules during in-class instruction and then authorize their class attendees to take the module’s Skills Challenge test to earn their Certificate of Completion without having to watch the module’s lesson videos again. This feature encourages instructors to integrate CFITrainer.Net module videos into their classroom instruction to teach key concepts, spark discussion, and support group work.

“We had a lot of interest from instructors in using CFITrainer.Net module content with their classes,” said Robert J. Schaal, CFITrainer.Net Project Manager. “With the new Instructor Mode feature, we’ve kept CFITrainer.Net’s platform integrity but opened it up for wider use by instructors with their classes, giving them a new instructional tool to teach and guide their students.”

To access Instructor Mode, registered users must complete three steps:

  1. Go to their CFITrainer.Net User Profile and:
    1. Answer “Yes” to the question “Are you an instructor?”
    2. Answer “Yes” to the question “Do you want access to instructor mode?”
    3. Upload their proof of instructor status for approval then click the Update or Register button. Examples of proofs are a certified instructor document, a letter from an employer attesting to the instructor’s teaching role, or a letter from an organization that offered training the instructor taught. A CFITrainer.Net administrator will vet the proof. The approval decision is emailed to the applying instructor.
  2. Once approved to access Instructor Mode, the Instructor must first pass a module’s Skills Challenge test before Instructor Mode becomes available for that module.
  3. Once the instructor has passed the Skills Challenge test for a module, a button titled “Enable Instructor Mode” appears on the module’s details page to active Instructor Mode. Click that button to activate Instructor Mode.

    4. Once Instructor Mode is activated for a module, click Launch Program to open the module. The module interface is now badged with “Instructor Mode” and has a new button called “Instructor Features.”

    The instructor can freely show any of the module’s sections to their class in any order and step through the Knowledge Checks to use them for class discussion. Instructors can also access the Resources accompanying the module to extend the learning.

    Instructor Features allows the instructor to authorize students by email address to complete the module without having to watch all the lesson videos again or take the Knowledge Checks, enabling class attendees to skip directly to the Skills Challenge test and take it to earn their Certificate of Completion. Once the Instructor has authorized the student to skip to the Skills Challenge to complete a module, the student receives an email notification that prompts them to take the test.

    The network tracks the status of each student so the instructor can see if they have registered with CFITrainer.Net, started, and completed the module. This process is done on a module by module basis; students are authorized for a particular module. The student list for one module does not carry over to another module. Students can be authorized by uploading a spreadsheet of their email addresses or entering them one-by-one. Full details on how to use Instructor Features are in the Instructor Guide the Instructor gets access to once they have been approved.

    Instructor Mode can be deactivated at any time using the “Disable Instructor Mode” button on the module’s details page.

    Use the Support form to let us know what you think of this new feature and how you have used Instructor Mode with your classes.

    News Archive