You know you need three more credits to satisfy your re-certification requirement, but it's next to impossible to fit in that drive to the university each week for the next 16 weeks. What will you do? Don't despair. You can earn credits from accredited schools and universities, online, in the comfort of your home. Education World writer Sherril Steele-Carlin alerts you to several schools that offer online courses for educators. Whether you want to update skills or need to re-certify, you'll plenty of choices. Included: Comments from an online educator and an online student.
Jill Wallace, an educational technology consultant from Nevada, teaches an online course for educators at the UCLA Extension in Los Angeles. Her course, Teaching Designing and Developing Online Courses, introduces students to the ins and outs of creating and developing online courses.
Wallace has been teaching the course since 1998. "K-12 teachers, university professors, university instructional designers, community college teachers, and even a couple of university administrators have taken the class," Wallace told Education World. "I usually have at least one or two company trainers in each group as well."
"I love it. I have been bitten by the technology bug, and it's contagious!" Elena Lattarulo, a secondary teacher from California, told Education World. "I love the fact that I can learn and study at my own convenience, on my own schedule, and get exactly what I want."
Lattarulo has taken online courses from UCLA, including technology courses focused on helping educators involve their classes online. She's currently taking Teaching and Learning Models for Online Courses.
"I have met so many interesting and nice people, some that I consider 'friends' in the real sense of the word -- and in some cases, I don't even know what they look like," said Lattarulo. "We have bonded by having to work toward common goals in a virtual community of learners; at my age, I find this an amazingly valuable advantage."
Most online classes can be accessed any time, day or night. Many classes are open for enrollment throughout the year too. Tests are sent to your area, to be administered by an approved proctor that you choose. Online learning is quick, painless, and downright fun! Why not explore the possibilities?
If you'd like to explore online learning opportunities, here are some great places to find just the courses you need.
Sherril Steele-Carlin
Education World®
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Last updated 4/26/2011