-- Blended Learning Key Feature in Version 2.0 --

WALNUT CREEK, CA (June 26, 2012) – Leading Edge Certification (LEC), a national Alliance of nonprofits, universities and educational agencies, today announced that its initial Online Teacher Certification has been revised to include blended learning in all of its modules, and has re-named the certification Online and Blended Teacher Certification to reflect these changes.
“We recognized that while online learning is growing rapidly, by far the greatest growth in education today is blended learning,” said Greg Ottinger, Chair of Online and Blended Teacher Curriculum and Director of Online Learning with the San Diego County Office Education, adding “version 2.0 of the LEC curriculum now includes a component of blended learning in each of its 8 modules.”
Leading Edge Online and Blended Teacher Certification was developed to meet the growing demand of education professionals who instruct online, as well as in a blended learning environment. The skills needed in the online environment differ greatly from the traditional classroom and this training showcases how to make the most of this type of instruction.
Leading Edge Online and Blended Teacher Certification guides educators through a curriculum based on the iNACOL National Standards for Online Teaching. Upon successful completion, teachers not only have the skills to effectively facilitate online and blended courses, but also have a solid understanding of how to enhance the learning opportunities for all students enrolled in their courses. A sample of curriculum topics includes: How to Prepare Your Course Work; The Assessment Process Online; How to Ensure Academic Integrity; Is Online Learning Right for You; and What Does a Virtual Classroom Look Like.
The courses are designed to be delivered online or in a blended approach, and can be completed in 4-6 weeks. Leading Edge Certification is offering a free upgrade to the new curriculum for anyone who has already completed the Online Teacher Certification. To find out more about Leading Edge Certification and upcoming trainings, visitwww.leadingedgecertification.org.
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About Leading Edge Certification
Leading Edge Certification (LEC) is a national certification program in educational technology and curriculum innovation. Created by an Alliance of nonprofits, universities and educational agencies, LEC is the first national certification program of its kind, and is platform and vendor neutral. LEC for the Online and Blended Teacher and LEC for the Administrator are available; future certifications for the Classroom Teacher, Teacher Librarian, and Leading Educator (Professional Developer) are forthcoming. Visit www.leadingedgecertification.org to find out more.
Leading Edge Alliance Members, Online and Blended Teacher Certification
Core Alliance Members: Alameda County Office of Education, California Technology Assistance Project, CUE, Contra Costa County Office of Education, Lesley University, Orange County Department of Education, San Diego County Office of Education, Santa Clara County Office of Education, Technology Information Center for Administrative Leadership.
Stakeholder Alliance Members: @One, Alliance for Distance Education in California, California Department of Education, Fresno Pacific University, iNACOL, International Society for Technology in Education, K12 High Speed Network, New Tech Network, NYSCATE, Pepperdine University, Santa Cruz County Office of Education, University of California Extension, Berkeley, University of California Extension, Irvine
Supporter Alliance Members: California Learning Resource Network, Center for Digital Education, Curriki, Education Support Systems, Julian Charter Schools, Saddleback Valley Unified School District
Media Contact:
Beth Cherry, B. Cherry Communications
beth@bcherrycommunications.com
“We recognized that while online learning is growing rapidly, by far the greatest growth in education today is blended learning,” said Greg Ottinger, Chair of Online and Blended Teacher Curriculum and Director of Online Learning with the San Diego County Office Education, adding “version 2.0 of the LEC curriculum now includes a component of blended learning in each of its 8 modules.”
Leading Edge Online and Blended Teacher Certification was developed to meet the growing demand of education professionals who instruct online, as well as in a blended learning environment. The skills needed in the online environment differ greatly from the traditional classroom and this training showcases how to make the most of this type of instruction.
Leading Edge Online and Blended Teacher Certification guides educators through a curriculum based on the iNACOL National Standards for Online Teaching. Upon successful completion, teachers not only have the skills to effectively facilitate online and blended courses, but also have a solid understanding of how to enhance the learning opportunities for all students enrolled in their courses. A sample of curriculum topics includes: How to Prepare Your Course Work; The Assessment Process Online; How to Ensure Academic Integrity; Is Online Learning Right for You; and What Does a Virtual Classroom Look Like.
The courses are designed to be delivered online or in a blended approach, and can be completed in 4-6 weeks. Leading Edge Certification is offering a free upgrade to the new curriculum for anyone who has already completed the Online Teacher Certification. To find out more about Leading Edge Certification and upcoming trainings, visitwww.leadingedgecertification.org.
# # #
About Leading Edge Certification
Leading Edge Certification (LEC) is a national certification program in educational technology and curriculum innovation. Created by an Alliance of nonprofits, universities and educational agencies, LEC is the first national certification program of its kind, and is platform and vendor neutral. LEC for the Online and Blended Teacher and LEC for the Administrator are available; future certifications for the Classroom Teacher, Teacher Librarian, and Leading Educator (Professional Developer) are forthcoming. Visit www.leadingedgecertification.org to find out more.
Leading Edge Alliance Members, Online and Blended Teacher Certification
Core Alliance Members: Alameda County Office of Education, California Technology Assistance Project, CUE, Contra Costa County Office of Education, Lesley University, Orange County Department of Education, San Diego County Office of Education, Santa Clara County Office of Education, Technology Information Center for Administrative Leadership.
Stakeholder Alliance Members: @One, Alliance for Distance Education in California, California Department of Education, Fresno Pacific University, iNACOL, International Society for Technology in Education, K12 High Speed Network, New Tech Network, NYSCATE, Pepperdine University, Santa Cruz County Office of Education, University of California Extension, Berkeley, University of California Extension, Irvine
Supporter Alliance Members: California Learning Resource Network, Center for Digital Education, Curriki, Education Support Systems, Julian Charter Schools, Saddleback Valley Unified School District
Media Contact:
Beth Cherry, B. Cherry Communications
beth@bcherrycommunications.com