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For more information contact mark.a.kinders@uwrf.edu or brenda.k.bredahl@uwrf.edu.

Technology for Educators Graduate Certificate Offers Online Classes

By Laurel Kolkind
UWRF University Communications

JAN. 7, 2008--Beginning in January, all classes for the Technology for Educators Graduate Certificate (TEGC) offered by the University of Wisconsin River Falls are available online.  

This program, which was updated in 2007, has been designed by K-12 educators and offers courses that will address current issues in education and technology. The program also meets four Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction teaching standards and can be taken as part of the Professional Development Plan for DPI teaching standards or as graduate credits to fulfill development plans. All classes are offered online with 24-7 access during the school year and in the summer.

Nancy Toll, coordinator and instructor for the online program and the technology coordinator for the Hudson School District, hopes the new online classes will give teachers an understanding of how learning is changing.

"The incentive to offer online classes includes helping teachers understand how technology can be used to enhance student learning and at the same time give them opportunities to experience different teaching and learning styles based on 21st century skills," says Toll.

The program is designed for educators and other instructors who would like to apply technology to meet learning objectives and to increase teaching capabilities through technology. The program also focuses on how to integrate educational technology into classroom environments. It also allows educators and instructors new insight and experience about online learning possibilities.

Teachers will gain a better understanding of using technology and when it is applicable to the classroom, Toll says. "Teachers will not only learn technology skills but, based on the 'Understanding by Design' unit planning model, they will also learn when technology is the right tool to use."

The new online courses offered for the TEGC will give educators new ideas and skills when using technology in the classroom. "How students learn is changing and teachers need to understand this. Teachers now must compete with many other sources of information that students have available and also help students learn how to use technology in appropriate ways," says Toll.

For more information contact Linda Jacobson, UWRF outreach program manager at linda.jacobson@uwrf.edu or visit the program Web site at http://uwrf.edu/ogs/programs/programs-index.php/tech-educators/17/gs.

The UWRF Outreach and Graduate Studies Office provides lifelong learners with academic, professional, development and enrichment programs that are practical, flexible, convenient and affordable. A complete list of courses, course descriptions and online registration information is available at http://www.uwrf.edu/ogs or can be obtained by calling at 715-425-3256, 1-800-228-5607, or e-mailing outreach@uwrf.edu.

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