Professional Development | FETC 2012 News
PBS TeacherLine To Launch Course on Virtual Teaching
PBS TeacherLine next month will launch a six-week course designed to introduce teachers to the "critical knowledge, strategies, and techniques to support student achievement in an online learning environment."
PBS TeacherLine is an online resource that offers professional development services and other resources for teachers in preK-12 and higher education. Those include a collaborative professional learning community, more than 80 online courses for teachers, and resources for instructional coaches.
The new course, TECH570: Fundamentals of Virtual K-12 Teaching," was unveiled at the FETC 2012 National Conference taking place in Orlando, FL. In the project-based course, a facilitator will guide teachers through topics like assessment strategies, working with students virtually, and building communities. According to PBS, the course aligns to online teaching-related standards set by iNacol, the NEA in its Guide to Teaching Online Courses, the Southern Regional Education Board.
"As millions of families opt for the flexibility and convenience of virtual learning, teachers are faced with the challenge of adapting their instruction to the dynamics of online teaching," said Rob Lippincott, senior vice president of education for PBS, in a prepared statement. "The 'Fundamentals of Virtual K-12 Teaching' course gives educators an eLearning Toolbox and allows them to practice the skills needed to support student achievement in the online environment."
TECH570: Fundamentals of Virtual K-12 Teaching will launch Feb. 29. The course runs 45 hours and costs $525. Additional details are available on the PBS TeacherLine site.