Frequently Asked Questions
The online course is a collaboration among TEAMS Distance Learning, Los Angeles County Office of Education, Pepperdine University, and Loyola Marymount University. You probably have many questions about the online reading course and what the procedures are. Let's take a close look at how it will work.
Can anyone take the online course for reading teachers, "Launching K-12 Readers"?
At the present moment, the online course is only open to California teachers who have had the SB 1086 training. It was designed as a follow-up to the 1086 training designed by the Los Angeles County Office of Education in an effort to provide continued support and resources to those teachers.
Where will the classes be held?
The course begins and ends with face-to-face class meetings held at the Los Angeles County Office of Education's Teacher Technology Center. All other class meetings take place online—wherever you have Internet access and a computer: at home, at work, or wherever you stay when you are traveling!
Does the class meet regularly?
Yes, the class meets once a week in small groups in a live online "chat" environment, known as "synchronous chat" because they are held in real time. Participating teachers can enter the Class Meeting through a link in Patti's online class, which leads to TappedIn, a password protected conferencing area.
There are also assignments requiring participation in "asynchronous" discussion forums. Participants post messages in the forum at their convenience, any time, any place. Email is also used to interact with fellow participants, the instructor, the reading specialist, and technology mentors.
Who is the online course instructor?
Patti Stewart is the course lead instructor and developed the curriculum and assignments. She will oversee course content, coordinate lessons, answer questions, provide feedback on the assignments, and oversee the discussion groups. Patti is a certified S.B. 1086 Reading Specialist, and a Distance Learning Instructor for TEAMS Distance Learning.
We have found that small groups work best for online instruction. Enrollment is limited to sixteen teachers. For group work, teachers will work in collaborative groups of four. Each group will have a certified S.B. Reading Specialist acting as discussion leader to facilitate learning and depth of interaction. Patti will oversee the discussions and circulate between the small groups.
What kind of computer and Internet access are needed?
Most any kind of computer will do--either Macintosh or PC. You will need an modem and Internet account or a network connection with Internet access. Here is more information on the hardware needed.
The course will be conducted over an eight week period. The assignments and due dates will be posted at the first meeting of the course.
Will I need to buy and learn special software for the course?
No, all you will need is a Web browser. All course materials, discussion forums, class meeting chats, and resources can be accessed on the Web at /reading/welcome.
What course materials are required?
Each participant will be required to purchase a packet of course materials, including a set of six videotapes and related support materials from the TEAMS Reading: Basic to Success series for a cost of $60.00. A course syllabus will also be included in the packet of materials. The participants will preview one tape each week, and discuss the concepts during the Class Meetings. Though Patti has a recommended reading list, there is no required text for the course.
Who will help me if I run into a technical problem?
The course has a technology advisor and four technology mentors who will be available to help course participants. Each small group will be assigned a technology mentor who will be on hand via email to solve technology problems as they arise.
Can I get Professional Development credit for this course?
Yes. Loyola Marymount University is offering optional professional development credit for the course. This is handled separately through the university. Three units of professional development credit will be available at approximately $30.00 per credit for participants who meet course requirements. These requirement are attendance at 6 out of 8 sessions and a satisfactory case study, including, assessment and lesson plans.