University of North Texas 
Open Course Authoring Institute (OCAI) is a semester-long asynchronous, self-paced course offered by DSI CLEAR for instructors who wish to create open, accessible, inclusive course content in Canvas as a replacement for textbooks or third-party materials. Strategies for utilizing generative AI to create course content will be included. Time to design a minimum of three content modules are built into OCAI, and we’ll offer feedback along the way! Please note that the focus of this course is on creating or converting accessible content from lecture. Below is an example of a page of multimodal, accessible course content similar to what can be developed during OCAI:
Applications for OCAI Spring 2025 are currently being accepted until December 2, 2024 and can be downloaded here: OCAI Application Spring 2025 Download Link.
OCAI Course Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be able to:
- Design open, accessible course content in Canvas in place of textbooks or third-party content.
- Use tools to develop inclusive, multimodal course content.
Introduction to Copyright and OER
The first module will define basic copyright laws that pertain to content creation for college courses. Creative Comments (CC) licenses will be introduced and applied to the development of Open Education Resources (OER) course content. We will also discuss the implications of AI-generated content and copyright.
Course Design Basics
OCAI will guide you in converting your existing lectures (and other modes of content) into open multimodal content inside the text editor in Canvas pages. This module applies the ADDIE model of instructional design to converting existing or designing new course content. Options for harnessing generative-AI to convert lecture content will be offered.
Inclusive Content
This module will discuss strategies for creating content that is multimodal and inclusive, including where to find content that is openly licensed.
Anatomy of OER Course Content
This module will demonstrate how to build content in Canvas pages so can access all content inside the Canvas course shell. Accessible Canvas page mechanics will be included such as formatting headers, tables, text, hyperlinks, listing, embedding videos, and more.
Build Your Content
The remainder of the semester will be spent on creating course content. Participants may spend most weeks of the semester building a minimum of three content modules. Assignments will approach the content design process in steps and provide opportunities for feedback.
OCAI is a facilitated learning community lasting
OCAI operates on a pass/fail structure instead of grades. Participants who receive a pass will receive a $500 professional development stipend (subject to available funding) for teaching-related professional development opportunities which will be sent to their departments upon completion of their course. Teaching-related professional opportunities include conferences, journals, books, courses, etc. Those who pass OCAI will also receive an OCAI micro credential and digital certificate.
For questions, contact Dr. Aubree Evans at Aubree.evans@unt.edu or Dr. Babafunso Adegbola at babafunso.adegbola@unt.edu .
Why take OCAI?
You may want to apply for OCAI if you are an instructor at UNT who values accessible, affordable, inclusive course content. You may also want to apply for OCAI if you have been wanting to convert your lectures to online content but have not yet had the time. If you want to be guided through creating open, accessible, inclusive course content, OCAI is for you.
How is OCAI delivered and organized?
OCAI is delivered over five modules with asynchronous deliverables. All reading content and materials are provided through Canvas.
In this course, you will:
- Complete five asynchronous modules related to accessible course design.
- Create content for at least three of your own course modules.
In what modality is OCAI offered?
OCAI is entirely online and asynchronous. Participants can progress through the course
at their own pace. There are no deadlines or module open dates. Each module is open
all semester.
How do I enroll in OCAI?
To enroll in OCAI, you will need to apply. The application process will begin at the end of each preceding semester. For example, applications will open in November to be considered for the Spring semester. To apply, complete an application in its entirety and include your department chair’s signature. There will be a limited number of seats each semester. Applicants will be notified at the end of the preceding semester of their acceptance and enrollment.
Please send applications to faculty.development@unt.edu
Can I switch to an in-person modality?
OCAI is only being offered online. To allow flexibility to instructors, we developed
OCAI to be asynchronous.
Do the professional development funds expire?
The professional development funds will roll over each semester. It’s important to
note, however, that these funds are managed by your academic department; therefore,
the process of dispersal will vary.
What can I spend my professional development funds on?
The professional development funds awarded upon successful completion of OCAI may
be spent on teaching-related professional development activities. Examples inlude,
but are not limited to conference attendance and travel, publication fees, teaching-related
research, hiring teaching or research assistants, teaching-related texts and other
resources, etc.
Can I apply for OCAI even if I don’t have existing course content?
Yes! OCAI is for anyone who wants to create online course content, whether it is existing
or new content