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e-Learning for Educators
Frequently Asked Questions
How many online courses can I take?
Participants may enroll for a maximum of two courses per session. Registrations for more than two courses will be cancelled.
May individuals seeking paraprofessional certification enroll in eLearning courses?
Beginning with the Fall 2009, August 5- September 22, course session all paraprofessionals must submit proof
of passing the West Virginia State Competency Exam for Classroom Aides to the WVLearns project coordinator,
Donna Landin, prior to registering for a course. Official documentation must be provided by the personnel
director or the local certification officer on official county letterhead stating that the participant has
passed the West Virginia State Competency Exam for Classroom Aides. All enrollees participating in eLearning
courses must be pursuing West Virginia paraprofessional certification.
How long will the workshop last?
The workshop will last 7 weeks.
How many sessions constitute a workshop?
Each workshop is comprised of 7 one-week sessions. Participants will complete a specific set of readings,
activities and discussions every week. Projects will be developed throughout the workshop and submitted during
the last workshop session.
How much time is required to complete a workshop?
4 hours per week will satisfy weekly requirements (total of 24 hours).
21 hours will satisfy the course project requirement.
24+21=45 hours---- will meet all workshop requirements.
How many non-degree graduate credit hours can be earned per successful, workshop completion?
3 hours of non-degree graduate credit hours may be awarded per successful workshop completion.
What is the cost of graduate credit per workshop?
Cost of graduate credit is $120 per workshop from MU, $167 from WVU and $99 from Concord University.
May the WV e-Learning courses apply toward recertification and/or advance salary classification?
Yes, you must apply for non-degree graduate credit as you will submit official transcripts from a university of your coursework to the Office of
Professional Preparation for recertification or advanced salary classification. Registration and payment to WVU, MU or Concord University is required, if you are taking the course for recertification and/or for salary advancement. Please review the back of your current teaching certificate to determine if you are required to complete one 3-hour course with a focus of improving instruction through the use of technology
What universities will provide graduate credit?
Concord University, Marshall University, and West Virginia University will provide non-degree graduate credit for the WV e-Learning for Educator's courses.
When do I submit paperwork for graduate credit?
The workshop Welcome Page will provide links to forms and instructions to be followed to be completed if you wish to
apply for non-degree graduate credit. The course Welcome page will be available on the opening day of your workshop.
Workshop participants will be responsible for downloading, completing and mailing or all graduate credit paperwork to the
selected university with payment for the workshops(s). Participants are responsible for submitting all paperwork by the
date indicated on the course news page.
May WV e-Learning for Educators workshops be used for continuing education hours/credit?
Seek permission from your county school system/professional development council for continuing education hours/credit
prior to the opening day of selected workshops.
Is an access.k12.wv.us account required for WV e-Learning for Educators Summer 2006 workshop communication?
Yes, we now require an access.k12.wv.us or a county schools account. If you do not qualify for an access.k12.wv.us
or a county schools e-mail account, then place contact Donna Landin at dlandin@access.k12.wv.us.
Are educators from private/parochial schools in West Virginia permitted to register for the WV e-Learning for Educators workshops?
Yes
Are the WV e-Learning workshops delivered on the Internet?
All WV e-Learning for Educators are delivered via the Internet. Workshop activity will occur online. Participants
may access the workshop(s) and complete assignments at any time during the day or night.
Will WV e-Learning workshop participants receive grades upon the completion of workshops?
A grade book is kept for all workshop sessions. Grades of C (Complete), I (Incomplete), and N (Not Complete) are awarded
for each sessions based upon workshop participation and assignment completion. A mid-course check-up will occur in
Session Three (Week Four) of the workshop. Non-degree graduate credit will be awarded to participants who complete all course
requirements. A certificate of completion will be awarded to all participants who complete all course requirements.
Is online learning as good as face-to-face learning?
Most research studies on e-learning are based on higher education courses, with impact on learning measured by tests and
grades (Phillips and Merisotis, 1999). The most common result of this research is to find no significant differences between
student learning in face-to-face and online courses, and to find that those who take online versions of courses are as satisfied
with the experience as those who attended classes (Russell, 1999). However, in some studies, such as Koory's (2003) comparison
of an Introduction to Shakespeare course delivered online and face-to-face, and Harlen & Altobello's (2003) comparison of an
online and face-to-face science education course, the results showed better learning outcomes online.
Survey data from participants in many online professional development programs show that when online courses are well-designed
and implemented, participants report them to be valuable and enjoyable learning experiences that impact both knowledge and
professional practice. For example, survey data from participants in online workshops about integrating technology into classroom
practices provided by the EdTech Leaders Online program show that: 92% said they benefited from and enjoyed learning online
and would be interested in online learning in the future; 91% reported increased understanding of how to use technology to
support the curriculum; and 93% reported they used things they learned in the workshop in their work (Sucher and Engel, 2003).
Similarly, an evaluation report of the Florida Online Reading Professional Development program found that over 90% of participants
indicated that the program contributed to their knowledge of effective reading theory, research, and instructional practice,
and over 87% indicated they would make changes to their classroom reading instruction as a result of the program (ITRC, 2001).
The e-Learning for Educator's initiative involves conducting two research studies- one that includes 4th and 5th grade teachers
and one that includes 7th and 8th grade teachers. Both studies focus on mathematics and English language arts. The studies
are designed to evaluate the impact of online professional development on teacher knowledge, teacher practices, and, most
importantly, student achievement. The Technology Assessment Study Collaborative (inTASC) at Boston College will be
conducting the two studies. Additional information can be accessed from
Boston College's e-Learning for Educators.
How do I know if I will be a successful online professional development participant?
The following assessments have been designed to determine your level of comfort regarding online professional development:
Self-Evaluation for Potential Online Students (the correct link appears below), Illinois Online Network
This short, twelve-question tutorial helps you determine how ready you are for an online course.
http://www.ion.uillinois.edu/resources/tutorials/pedagogy/selfEval.asp
What are the benefits to taking a WV e-Learning for Educator’s workshop?
e-Learning for Educators is Web-based professional development that targets improved teacher content knowledge, improved teaching practices and increased student achievement.
Benefits include:
- Online courses can fit easily into a busy schedule
- Learn at home with no need to travel or purchase and install special software
- Graduate credit is available through MU and WVU
- Become a part of a community of learners
- Facilitators are experienced West Virginia educators
- Learn new skills in a supportive environment – assistance is just a phone call or e-mail away
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