Course Overview:

Educators need to integrate technology into their curriculum to transform student learning and meet the goals of the 21st Century. To succeed in today's information-driven academic environment, students need to know how to find, use, manage, evaluate and convey information efficiently and effectively. This includes not only knowledge of technology, but the ability to use critical-thinking skills to solve problems within a technological environment. Teachers wrap 21st Century Literacy skills into lesson content using a variety of strategies. This course helps educators plan and assess effective technology teaching methods, incorporate technology into any discipline, and develop key accountability and assessment strategies!

In this six week course, educators wear both a "student hat" and a "teacher hat" as they use digital technology and communication tools to solve an information problem. Educators experience how to use technology as a tool to research, organize, evaluate and communicate information as well as develop a fundamental understanding of the ethical/legal issues surrounding the access and use of information. This valuable, first-hand experience demonstrates the essential technology skills students need to succeed in the 21st Century.

Who Should Attend?

This series is appropriate for:

• Teachers who want to effectively utilize a blended model of instruction, using online components to supplement the face-to-face experience of their students
• Curriculum specialists who need to understand the critical success elements of blended teaching models
• Administrators who want to experience first-hand the power of online learning while determining their own district’s online professional development needs.

What Will You Learn?

Participants attending this course will:

• Use the Internet in instruction efficiently and effectively to develop student-centered, project-based learning that supports the development of 21st century skills;
• Create new lessons that incorporate technology applications into their core curriculum;
• Transform curriculum with technology-based real-world learning for students;
• Design content that enhances learning and fosters students' engagement with technology;
• Integrate technology and core content to teach problem solving, analytical skills, and techniques for presentation;
• Cite Internet sources and online safety; and
• Develop assessment strategies.

Participation Requirements & Graduate Credit:

Best Practices in Online Teaching and Learning courses are 6-week courses taken entirely over the Internet. Courses move forward on a weekly schedule and they are approximately 5-7 hours of activities per week. This course is eligible for three graduate credits through Plymouth State University.

Session Dates & Pricing

Sessions for 21st Century Teaching Best Practices: 21st Century Teaching and Learning will be offered

• October 15, 2008
• January 14, 2009
• April 15, 2009
• July 8, 2009
• October 14, 2009

Tuition is $275 per session

Discounted pricing is available for a group of teachers from one district or region. Please contact a VHS representative at 978-450-0418 for group pricing.

Register today for 21st Century Teaching and Learning or the complete Best Practices Series.