Center for Online and Digital Learning Expands to Keep Pace with Growing Demand for Online Courses

University College’s Center for Online and Digital Learning (CODL) is a signature One University initiative and a strategic response to the growing demand to quality online programming at Syracuse University.

Emily Luther, University College instructor for the Bachelor of Professional Studies Program, videotapes the course she is teaching, Digital and Business Communication for Professionals.

The center was launched in 2017 and now includes a state-of-the-art video production studio that incorporates animation, graphics and assessment to create an interactive experience for optimal learning.

Currently, ten staff members support six schools/colleges throughout the University. Instructional designers, multi-media specialists, videographers and directors offer expertise in design, technology, education, graphic art, project management and radio and television.

In addition to creating online courses and programs for University College, the team is developing programming for the School of Education, Falk College, College of Law, Whitman School of Management and College of Engineering and Computer Science.

“We project working on approximately 200 courses over the next three years,” says Tom Downes, assistant director of CODL. “The content development for the courses will vary based on what the schools/colleges need.” Downes says that additional positions within the center would be considered as partnerships across the University continue to expand to meet the growing number of online students.