Coursera Teaching Assistant (TA) Job Description

Updated March 2013

The TA position for this course requires assisting the Professor in the preparation, ongoing delivery and student support activities of the Coursera course. All contributions must be of the highest quality and attention to detail since the site is an active website available to the world and is a representation of Penn.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

Prior to Course Start (4-6 Weeks Prior to Course)

· Establishing a timeline for pre-course and course activities

· Taking an online course to become familiar with course operations

· Creating ancillary course modules as requested

· Ensuring all logins and accounts are set up properly

· Populate the Wiki and other student resources with essential information

· Creating and administering the pre-course survey

· Working with the professor to establish grading rubrics for each quiz (peer assessments)

· Setting up social media accounts

Ongoing:

· Uploading and editing course materials (such as the Wiki, videos and course documentation)

· Managing the online discussion forums and responding to general issues

· Administration of the peer evaluation grading process

· Keeping the online site content current (including Wiki, announcements)

· Proactively monitoring and resolving any issues that arise

· Ensuring deliverables are met on time

· Delivering useful social media posts

Course Conclusion (1-2 weeks after last class date):

· Set grading rules and administer Statements of Accomplishment

· Ensure the professor tapes a thought piece video

· Archive the content into a designated file location

· Administer a course evaluation survey

· Close out the course

REQUIRED SKILLS

· Interest and expertise in the subject area

· Solid skills working with online content management, documents, graphics

· Extreme attention to detail and quality of output

· Positive attitude

· Ability to proactively and professionally address issues that may arise

· Project management skills balanced with adaptability

· Ability to communicate visually

· Knowledge of digital design tools

· Hands-on experience with social media a plus

TIME COMMITMENT

· It is expected that this job will require an average of 10-20 hours per week

· The TA may need to be available 24/7 for any global issues that arise and for course activation