Arlington, Va. (Sept. 8, 2009) – PBS TeacherLine^® (www.pbs.org/teacherline), the premier provider of online professional development services for preK-12 educators, has updated several instructional technology courses to include strategies for using Web 2.0 tools in the classroom and for professional growth. With the growing popularity of Web 2.0 tools and their educational potential, teachers are looking for effective ways to incorporate these technologies into their lessons to help students gain the skills and knowledge they need.

“To succeed in today’s globally networked world, students need to know how to search, evaluate, use, and create online content effectively and responsibly,” said Melinda George, senior director of PBS TeacherLine. “Our professional development courses provide educators with instructional strategies and tools they can use immediately in the classroom to help students’ develop these 21st century skills.”

PBS TeacherLine offers more than 145 online graduate-level courses in reading, math, science, instructional technology, and instructional strategies that are based on research-supported pedagogy and state and national standards. Course enrollment for the Fall term is open, and national courses start Oct. 28 (local courses may have a different start date).

The newly updated instructional technology courses available this fall include:

• TECH 340: Evaluating and Organizing Internet Resources and Content – Educators learn the skills and strategies students need to become digital citizens, including how to organize Web sites and their content through the use of free online and Web 2.0 tools. These new digital literacy skills give students the foundation for effective Internet use and collaborative, meaningful, and safe online project work. In the course, educators learn ways to prepare students for Web research, integrate the use of Web 2.0 tools in the classroom, and create an online portal with resources for teachers, students and parents. This is a PBS Classroom Link course, which encourages learners to implement lessons with their class or a small group of students (options for learners without access to students are available).

• TECH 330: Communicate and Collaborate Online – The course helps teachers develop skills for researching, evaluating and using online educational communication tools. Educators explore the use of Web 2.0 tools such as wikis, blogs, and social networking sites, as well as e-mail, discussion boards, and videoconferencing, for professional development and classroom learning. Teachers learn about today’s technologies, the learning needs of digital native students, and ways to develop and participate in educational learning networks and online collaborative classroom projects. This is a PBS Classroom Link course.

• TECH 325: Searching and Researching on the Internet – Teachers learn strategies for helping students develop digital literacy skills such as searching and researching online sources such as Web pages, blogs, wikis, and social bookmarks. To search effectively for information on the Internet and conduct research, students need new skills that will help them understand where and how to find relevant information, and to use the content effectively. Educators explore ways to create authentic learning environments that make use of primary resources, beyond sites such as Wikipedia for research, as well as to teach responsible Web use. This is a PBS Classroom Link course.

• TECH 300: The Computer for Personal Productivity – Educators discover how computer and Web-based tools, such as Web 2.0 sites, can help them be more productive and effective in the classroom. In the course, educators explore technology tools to communicate with colleagues, students, and parents; to create lesson plans and instructional materials; and to manage electronic information.

PBS TeacherLine also updated its PBS TeacherLine ISTE Capstone Certificate Program to align with the new NETS•T standards. Co-developed by ISTE, the program is a series of research-based courses that focus on instructional technology use, and enable teachers to demonstrate their mastery of the ISTE NETS•T. Program participants develop a professional digital portfolio of their work, earn credits toward salary and career advancement, and receive a joint certificate from ISTE and PBS TeacherLine documenting their technology integration proficiency. The updated program recently earned the ISTE Seal of Alignment for Development.

More Information

For more information about PBS TeacherLine, to view the entire catalog of courses, or to enroll, visit www.pbs.org/teacherline.

About PBS TeacherLine

PBS TeacherLine is committed to helping teachers acquire the skills they need to prepare students for a successful future. PBS TeacherLine provides high-quality, affordable professional development through facilitated, online courses, collaborative learning communities, and exemplary Internet-based resources. Currently, more than 130 courses across multiple subject areas are offered. Teachers can earn continuing education units, professional development points, and graduate credits for course completion. The courses have been developed in conjunction with leading education organizations, including Mid-Continent Research for Education and Learning (McREL), Education Development Center (EDC), Concord Consortium, National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, and International Society for Technology Education. Created in 2000, PBS TeacherLine is funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education for $6,046,811. This represents approximately 85 percent of the total program funding. The remaining 15 percent is funded through in-kind support from PBS and through program income. For more information, visit www.pbs.org/teacherline.

About PBS

PBS, with its 356 member stations, offers all Americans – from every walk of life – the opportunity to explore new ideas and new worlds through television and online content. Each week, PBS reaches more than 65 million people and invites them to experience the worlds of science, history, nature and public affairs; hear diverse viewpoints; and take front row seats to world-class drama and performances. PBS’ broad array of programs have been consistently honored by the industry’s most coveted award competitions. Teachers of children from pre-K through 12th grade turn to PBS for digital content and services that help bring classroom lessons to life. PBS’ premier children’s TV programming and Web site, pbskids.org, are parents’ and teachers’ most trusted partners in inspiring and nurturing curiosity and love of learning in children. More information about PBS is available at www.pbs.org, one of the leading dot-org Web sites on the Internet.

Contacts

PBS
Kevin Dando
703-739-5073
kdando at pbs dot org

Donovan Goode
703-739-5073
dwgoode at pbs dot org
www.pbs.org

C. Blohm & Associates, Inc.
Kristen Plemon
608-839-9805
kristen at cblohm dot com
www.cblohm.com

Printer Friendly

Download Release (136 KB)

Images

Click to view at full size, then right-click to download.