OCAI Logo

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: 

Example of multimodal accessible course content

The application process for the Fall 2024 OCAI cohort is closed. Application for Spring 2025 will open in November. 

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.

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 to be considered for the Fall semester. To apply, please email the completed application, with department chair signatures, to faculty.development@unt.edu no later than May 10th, 2024. There will be a limited number of seats each semester. Applicants will be notified of their acceptance no later than May 17th, 2024.
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