Arlington, Va. (May 12, 2010) – The Association of Educational Publishers (AEP) has named PBS TeacherLine^® and four of its online facilitated courses as a finalist for the 2010 Distinguished Achievement Award in the professional development category for curriculum and instruction. PBS TeacherLine (www.pbs.org/teacherline) is the premier provider of online professional development for preK-12 educators.

The four instructional technology courses offered by PBS TeacherLine that were entered in the awards program and earned recognition are:

• TECH 340: Evaluating and Organizing Internet Resources and Content – Educators gain the knowledge and strategies needed to help students develop new digital literacy skills, 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 Web 2.0 tools in the classroom, and create an online resource portal.

• TECH 330: Communicate and Collaborate Online – Teachers develop skills for researching, evaluating and using online communication tools, exploring today’s technologies, including wikis, blogs, and social networking sites, for professional development and classroom learning. Teachers learn about the needs of digital native students, and ways to develop and participate in educational learning networks and online collaborative classroom projects.

• TECH 325: Searching and Researching on the Internet – To search effectively for information online and conduct research, students need to understand where and how to find relevant information, and how to use the content effectively. Educators explore ways to create authentic learning environments that make use of primary resources, beyond sites such as Wikipedia, as well as to teach responsible Web use.

• TECH 315: Cooperation and Collaboration in the 21st Century – Educators discover ways to integrate Web 2.0 tools into the classroom and prepare students for the 21st century by teaching them how to effectively collaborate with one another through project learning and the use of technology.

For more than four decades, the AEP Awards have honored outstanding resources for teaching and learning. One of the largest and longest-running awards programs for educational products, the AEP Awards aim to give credit and recognition to the organizations that are leading the way in the field of educational products, and to set benchmarks to which the rest of the industry can aspire. Award winners will be announced at the 2010 AEP Awards Banquet and Gala on June 8 in Washington, D.C. Founded in 1895, AEP is a nonprofit organization that serves and advances the industry of educational publishing.

More Information

To learn more about PBS TeacherLine, go to www.pbs.org/teacherline. Watch a video of ITRT Denise Luc as she explains what she learned in the PBS TeacherLine ISTE Capstone Certificate Program: wmstreaming.whro.org/schooltalk/capstone.asf.

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, which 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.

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 month, PBS reaches more than 124 million people on-air and online, inviting 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 has 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 TeacherLine
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

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