Learn to Teach Online
Interested Educators Can Enroll in Open Teacher Training
The Importance of Teacher Training in The Online Environment
By Richard Copeland, Supervisor of Teacher Quality, and Jane O'Brien, Teacher Training Specialist, Georgia Virtual Learning
Creating an Authentic, Accessible Learning Experience
A large number of students rely on the GaVS program to find courses not offered at their school, and many enroll in courses that align better with their schedule and afford academic flexibility: “online learning offers the advantage of personalization, allowing individualized attention and support when students need it most” (Promising practices in online learning, 2012). Furthermore, a number of students enroll in online courses because they realize that online education will be required in all higher education pathways.
Specializing in the Online Environment
The shift to the mainstream has also helped stakeholders to fully realize the vast strengths of online learning and to facilitate the training of teachers transitioning to this environment. Teachers require support with technology and new tools, but, more importantly, they must have a foundation to build best practices. Without geographic restrictions, Georgia Virtual Learning (GaVL) has been able to hire exceptional, experienced classroom teachers across all disciplines, and these teachers consistently remark that transitioning into an online learning platform is similar to starting a new profession.
Of course, all teachers require a basic understanding of online education due to the integration of shared resources and blended learning across a number of districts. The benefits of online education must be applied to the traditional classroom as well to ensure students obtain opportunities to participate in innovative learning practices. Influencing students in an environment where they are actively participating and communicating with others daily is essential. Data obtained in the online classroom aids greatly in isolating teaching styles and instructional methods that align with each student. As a result of this progressive approach, students can have an individualized learning experience that offers the best chance for their mastery and continued success.
Take Advantage of Available Online Teacher Training
GaVL’s new training model is the program’s best attempt to align the foundations of online pedagogy, established by ISTE Nets-T and iNACOL, with the experience relayed by GaVL instructors. In addition, GaVL has also assembled members of the mentoring team to assess participants and provide feedback on their work and transform the teacher preparation model for online education and produce online instructors that “understand the primary concepts and structures of effective online instruction and [are] able to create learning experiences to enable student success” (National standards for online teaching, 2012).
Article Sources:
iNACOL. (2012). Keeping pace with K-12 and blended online learning. Retrieved, June 17, 2013
iNACOL. (2012). National standards for online teaching. Retrieved, June 23, 2013
iNACOL. (2012). Promising Practices in Online Learning. Retrieved, June 19, 2013
About TOOL:
Registration opens December 1, 2013
Self-paced, incentivized learning with achievement badges
Open to any educators who are interested in gaining more skills in teaching in the online environment
Is required for all GAVL Instructors
A certificate will be awarded to those completing the paid cohort
Badges awarded to all students who complete courses
First course is "Effective Online Teaching," which consists of 5 modules
Georgia Virtual Learning
Georgia's Choice for Quality Online Public School Courses
Offering Credit Recovery
Over 22 AP Courses
Expanded Middle School Option
NCAA Accredited for Athletes
Professional Development Leader in Training for Teaching Online #eteacherTOOL
Website: http://www.gavirtuallearning.org/
Location: 205 Jesse Hill Jr. Drive SE Atlanta, GA 30334
Phone: 404-657-0574
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gavirtual
Twitter: @gavirtual