Instructor Training and Support

Hand off the course package and support instructor training so instructors can run the simulation, not just deliver content.

What you need before starting

QA approved; final assets, facilitator guide, simulation support materials.
Instructor support templates and timeline (e.g. 30 days before cohort start).

What you need to produce

Implementation handoff: final assets, instructor-facing materials, Canvas setup notes, simulation support assets (FG, stand-up prompts, KPIs), known issues and escalation contacts. Training scheduled; materials in place.

What to do

Assemble implementation handoff package (see Reference).
Deliver at least 30 days before cohort start; begin Canvas build.
Schedule instructor onboarding and course walkthrough.
Share facilitator guide and simulation materials; clarify daily routines (stand-up, monitoring, coaching).
Finalize Canvas by Week -1; support Day 1 launch.

Canvas setup checklist (step 5)

Before handoff, the delivery lead must confirm:

Modules and content are published in correct order
Assessments configured with rubrics and due dates
Group discussions set up for team-based activities
External tools (Google Drive, labs, forms) integrated and tested
Permissions and grade posting settings confirmed
Instructor-only content hidden from students

Exit criteria

Implementation handoff is complete when: package delivered; training scheduled; Canvas setup in progress or done; instructors have materials and know how to facilitate the simulation.

Common mistakes

Instructor gets the course but not the why behind the simulation (train on facilitation, not just content).
Canvas setup is technically correct but instructionally weak (routines, prompts, visibility).
Daily routines (stand-up, retros, KPIs) not visible or clear enough for instructors to follow.

What must be ready in Canvas before instructor handoff?

Just the modules published
Modules, assessments, groups, discussions, tools, and permissions -- all configured
Only the assessments need to be in place
Nothing -- the instructor sets up Canvas
Select an answer to view feedback.

Instructor support

Instructor Support

Key Support Processes

Required Training: Live sessions for new curriculum or major updates
View training requirements and templates
Office Hours: Monthly support sessions for ongoing curriculum delivery
Learn about office hours format and scheduling
Zoom Setup: How to schedule meetings with registration
View Zoom registration guide

Launch timeline

Course Delivery Timeline

Minimum Delivery Deadline

All course materials must be finalized and delivered at least 30 days before the cohort start date.
Allows time for Canvas setup, instructor onboarding, simulation training, QA review, and technical alignment.

Launch Preparation Timeline

Week -4 (Minimum) — Course Delivery Handoff: All module content, labs, assessments, and slide decks submitted; QA review completed via PS ID Companion; course marked 'Ready for Implementation'; Canvas build process begins.
Week -2 — Instructor Preparation: Instructor assigned and onboarded; course walkthrough completed; instructor materials reviewed.
Week -1 — Final Canvas Setup: Canvas shell finalized and tested; all modules, assignments, discussions, and groups published or scheduled; learner teams assigned; kickoff slides and welcome messages posted.
Day 1 — Course Launch: Simulation introduction delivered; learner teams formed or activated; first stand-up initiated; instructor begins daily facilitation cycle.

Instructor daily routines and facilitation tips

Daily routines:

Morning Kickoff: Post or deliver a short scenario-framing message (2-3 mins)
Monitor Canvas Discussions: Review stand-ups, retros, and team threads
Active Coaching: Join discussions or labs; guide through questions
Progress Tracking: Use a KPI tracker or instructor log to capture team progress and blockers

Facilitation best practices:

Active Listening: Watch for team conflicts, blockers, or disengagement
Socratic Questioning: Lead with questions to encourage learner decision-making
Simulation Anchoring: Tie all activity back to the role or workplace task
Normalize Challenge: Encourage learning from mistakes and reflection

Common challenges and instructor responses

Learner disengagement: Prompt check-ins, adjust simulation pacing, re-engage in stand-up discussions
Simulation goes off-track: Re-anchor scenario in Canvas or live, clarify expectations
Missed assignments: Identify root cause, support time management, scaffold next deliverable
Curriculum bugs or clarity questions: Respond to Canvas tickets from learners — address broken links, unclear instructions, or content issues
Technical issues in Canvas: Follow internal escalation process or contact LMS support

Instructor support — training requirements and templates
Reference — handoff package
Canvas Course Shell (pre-built or duplicated)
KPI Tracker (Google Sheet or Airtable template)
Scenario Kickoff Slides (per module)
Facilitation Guide (timing, coaching tips, and red flags)
PS ID Companion — used during development and for final QA

Next step

Evaluation — Collect feedback, log changes, and improve curriculum for the next cohort.