University of California, Irvine Extension recently announced the launch of its new "Virtual Teacher Certificate Program," developed to meet the needs of qualified educators who desire to pursue a career in virtual schooling. This program is designed to provide professional instructors with the most up-to-date information to systematically plan and adapt an online curriculum based on learner needs, virtual options and an efficient online learning community. The first course begins on March 28, and registration is now open.
“With traditional schools facing fewer resources than ever, UC Irvine Extension recognizes the need to develop a full program that addresses the growing demand for flexible and personalized online learning,” said Angela Jeantet, director of education programs at UC Irvine Extension. “As standards for online instruction increase, this program will provide educators with the knowledge they need to understand the movement of virtual instruction.”
The certificate program is designed to effectively transition K-12 teachers, community college faculty, continuing education facilitators and instructors interested in educational technology to facilitating instruction in a virtual environment. Courses will identify best practices for online instruction, student engagement and virtual community building. Furthermore, the program will assist instructors in developing valid measurements of student performance in the virtual environment and explain the importance of tying personal performance to student performance in a virtual school setting.
A panel of experts in the virtual industry will present the skills and knowledge teachers need to successfully teach in virtual schools in a webinar on Wednesday, March 2 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. PST. Pre-registration advisement and enrollment information about the certificate program also will be provided during the webinar.
