Testimonials
Educators
speak about TeacherLine professional development courses:
(2
min. video)
(If
you're unable to view this video, please contact
us for a transcript.)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"This
being my first online course, I was concerned whether or not I would
have sufficient computer knowledge to move from one assignment to
the next. Online conversations with classmates and discussions with
the professionals at Teacherline helped me to complete the course
and enjoy the opportunity!"
Marshall Smith, Barnwell District 45, SC
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"My
name is Cyndy Duggins, I teach computer skills for sixth through
eighth grade at North Myrtle Beach Middle. To renew my certificate
I took a course on Teacherline... I have never taken an online course
before. I took "Teaching with WebQuests for Grades K-12."
It was an
awesome experience.You have the opportunity to share with others
all over the country. The facilitator did a great job of giving
the assignments and commenting; almost instant feedback. There are
help desks for assignments and technology questions. I needed graduate
credit for this course and I was able to sign up online to get that
as well; my transcript arrived about 2 weeks after I completed the
course. I highly recommend this program to anyone who wants to take
some courses in a relaxed, fun manner! PBS has made the entire experience
user-friendly."
Cyndy Duggins, Horry County Schools, SC
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"This
is the first place that I will look when I take classes in the future."
Anonymous Learner
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"I
began taking TeacherLine courses in 2004 in my effort to complete
my Masters +30 certification. From the first course, I was hooked!
I absolutely love the flexibility and stupendous learning potential
that has accompanied every course that I have taken. At the close
of this summer (2006), thanks in large part to PBS TeacherLine courses,
I will have attained my certification goal.
I have been
astounded by the benefits that come from collaborating and sharing
ideas with my online classmates, who are comprised of teachers of
all grade levels and disciplines from all over the country—all
without leaving the comfort of my home! It is unquestionable that
my students, and by extension, their test scores have benefited
from the wealth of knowledge that I have gained though the TeacherLine
online community. I am such a strong supporter of this format of
learning that I am currently training to become a future TeacherLine
facilitator so that I can share the knowledge that I have so happily
received."
Betsy Long,
Library Media Specialist, Doby's Mill Elementary School, Lugoff,
SC
(Now a TeacherLine Facilitator!)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Reading/Language
Arts Courses:
RDLA125
Children’s Authors on the Web: Online Sites that Motivate Students
to Write for Grades K-6
- “I
have learned much about various authors. I have also received
tips from my classmates.”
- “My
students and I really enjoyed the tasks; before, during, and after
we used the Technology Lab to research our author. We had good
discussions and my students went on to read other books on their
own by the same author.”
- "I
have enjoyed this course for a few reasons. First, I have learned
so much about the Web. I never realized how much information was
out there for my students on the different authors. Second, it
is always nice to correspond with different teachers. Their ideas
are creative, manageable, useful and endless. Lastly, though I
have spent many hours on the assignments, I am creating a unit
that I will “actually use” in my classroom."
- "My
expectations for this class were to learn about author studies
and be able to apply this to my classroom. I have to say that
I have not only learned how to complete an Author Study in my
classroom but I also have learned about many new websites that
can help me in my classroom as well as teaching and preparing
lesson plans. I have learned many new ideas that I have already
used and will continue to use in my classroom. I have shared new
ideas, websites, as well as teaching my peers about completing
an Author Study."
RDLA150
An Introduction to Underlying Principles and Research for Effective
Literacy Instruction (Grades K-8) (30hr version)
- "It
was highly practical in content and application. The facilitator
was especially insightful and diligent in her reponses to learners."
RDLA152
Introduction to Underlying Principles and Research for Effective
Literacy Instruction (45hr version)
- "I
liked the flexible schedule, having a deadline once a week, and
being able to share ideas with colleagues. I also liked the videos.
It was like being in an actual classroom and watching someone
teach. I always wished they were longer."
- "I
learned a lot about fundamental literacy obtainment. It's the
kind of knowledge universal to teaching. Also, the course was
well organized and concise."
- "This
course was helpful in many ways. The content was applicable to
my classroom and the other students were very helpful. I gathered
almost as many ideas from discussion with my colleauges as I did
from the reading. My registration process was quick and easy and
it was truly an enjoyable experience."
- "The
course was useful even for a high school teacher - I think special
needs teachers would benefit from a variation of it."
RDLA155
Teaching Phonemic Awareness and Phonics K-5
- "The
readings were most informative. I liked the narrow focus of the
course as it allowed us to go deepen into the subject instead
of just skimming over it. I really enjoy the freedom of working
at home."
RDLA200
Facilitating Oral Language Development K-5
- "I
really enjoyed the course and it just reinforced what we are doing
at our school now. I did get new views on how to help be a better
parapro."
- "I
enjoyed all the articles. I was a little afraid of the discussions
at first, but then after a few times, I loved them!"
RDLA340
Teaching Reading in the Content Area (Grades 6–12)
- "What
I liked most about this course were the strategies I learned to
help my students in the areas of vocabulary and comprehension.
And that I could do the assignments at my convenience."
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Technology
Courses:
TECH160
Putting Technology to Use in the Classroom: Where to Start K-12
- “I
have gained the confidence to take my students to the computer
lab in our library to research various topics on the Internet.”
- "Provided
many opportunities to expand ideas for using technology in our
lessons."
- "Great
sharing of information by teachers from different backgrounds.
Each weeks content was informative."
- "Valuable
resources and information; lots of ideas to use in classroom."
TECH195
Teaching and Learning with Graphic Organizers: Featuring Inspiration
K-12
- "You
[the course facilitator] and the others in the class have opened
my eyes to a lot of software that I have been ignoring, especially
Kidspiration. I will definitely be using that a lot more this
year and I hope I can talk our administrator into getting Inspiration."
TECH300
The Computer for Personal Productivity K-12
- “Some
of the information I was able to retrieve from some of the sites
was used in my classes within the first 2 weeks.”
TECH320
Introduction to the One-Computer Classroom K-12
- "I
have gained a remarkable amount of knowledge that I can implement
in my classroom and better serve the needs of my students."
- "I
increased my knowledge of how the computer can be used to make
a teacher's work more efficient."
TECH325
Searching and Researching on the Internet K-12
- "The
curriculum covered a lot of essential and practical content. I
actually impressed my students and teachers [with] the knowledge
I learned from the course. Conversing with a group of peer educators
in your class gives you broad perspectives from all over the nation."
- "I
enjoyed the discussions with class participants. They each brought
a unique and interesting perspectives to the topics we discussed.
It was a hands-on experience with real world applications."
- "The
feedback that we got from the instructor was great and really
made me think about what I wanted to say."
TECH522
Online Facilitator Training I: Mastering the Skills of Online Teaching
K-12
- "What
I liked most about the course was the wonderful collaboration
that evolved, the fantastic resources, the physical layout of
the online course and its components and the supportive manner
of the facilitator."
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Math
Courses:
MATH196
Shaping Up: Teaching Geometry Using Technology in Grades 3-5
- “I
have been able to find sites that help in the learning of the
standards for math, particularly in geometry, area, perimeter,
and angles.”
MATH181
Math in Everyday Life for Grades K-5
- “This
course made me more aware of the use of calculators in the classroom....not
as a crutch, but as a helpful tool.”
MATH120
Fostering Cooperative Learning, Discussion, and Critical Thinking
in Elem. Math (Grades 1-5)
- “The
ideas of cooperative learning and math talk were eye opening.”
MATH165
Enabling Students with Special Needs to Succeed in Math (Grades
4-8)
- "The
readings were very informative and well-written; I also enjoyed
the discussion with other participants."
- "I
enjoyed the articles, videos,and the discussion board."
- "Quality
content; rigorous!"
- "I
liked the atmosphere established by the facilitator to share and
give honest feedback to one another. I also liked the fact that
it was completed in 6 weeks. It was intense but knowing that it
would be over quickly helped."
- "I
enjoyed many of the articles because it gave us a different view
into the concepts that I am teaching in my classroom."
MATH206
Data Analysis and Probability for Grades K-5
- “I
have tried to get away from the teacher lecturing and more towards
learning through discovery.”
MATH250
Understanding Numbers and Operations: Addition and Subtraction (PreK-3)
- "I
liked the comraderie among the teachers taking the course and
their willingness to share ideas, techniques, and resources. The
ease of obtaining course materials was also an added bonus."
- "I
really liked the websites and games shared with me in relation
to my course. Sometimes I can search on line for hours trying
to find a game or activity to help enhance my student's classroom
experience."
- "It
wasn't busy work-it was meaningful to me and what I do in the
classroom."
- "What
I liked best was the information I learned and applied in my classroom."
- "I
liked the fact that I was made to think more about how I approach
math. I was afraid I wouldn't learn a lot, but I did."
MATH410
Seeing Math: Linear Functions (Grades 6-12)
- "It
gave me so many new ways of presenting material to my students.”
- "I
liked the real life problems [presented in the course]."
- "The
activities, the accessibility of the facilitator, and dialogue
between the participants were the things I liked most."
- "I'm
thrilled that I will actually be able to use so many ideas in
my classes!"
- "I
liked the Aha!, Oops!, and Whe! moments."
- "The
videos ,class room discussions, comments from discussion board,
help from facilitator - these things helped me to have a change
in my classroom teaching."
MATH455
Seeing Math: Data Analysis (Grades 6-12)
- "My
peers were very eager and knowledgeable, but the biggest help
was definitely the facilitator. She made it comfortable to respond
and give an opinion."
- "I
liked the structure of the course and the fact that it was not
very long."
- "I
liked the challenging yet relaxed atmosphere of the class."
^
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Science
Courses:
SCIE120
Scientific Inquiry and Field Work: Discovering with Technology for
Grades 6-8
- “I
have already developed different ways of communicating with my
students, as a result of my TeacherLine course in Scientific Inquiry.
The best part of this course was the interaction between my classmates
and our facilitator; at a pace which best suits a busy schedule…also
this gives time to implement practices, and give and get feedback
accordingly."
- "I
liked the ease of completing assignments and the communication
by the instructor."
SCIE130
Fostering Collaboration, Inquiry, and Critical Thinking in Middle
School Science (Grades 5-8)
- “I
have now incorporated collaborative groups and critical thinking
questions into my practice.”
SCIE504
Plants and Animals (Grades K-4)
- "I
learned a lot of good information to use when planning plant and
animal lessons. I also really appreciated the suggestions and
ideas from fellow teachers."
- "It
had a lot of good information about the topics and I learned a
lot of useful information that I could carry back into the classroom."
- "I
walked away with many ideas to add to my living things unit."
- "The
subject fit perfectly in with our state standards. It was a very
thoughtful course that covered the topic in depth."
- "The
videos were very interesting and kept the course fresh."
- "I
really enjoyed the discussion with other teachers. I learned so
much from their interpretations and opinions about the content
that I may have seen differently."
SCIE522
Inquiry in Science Education (Grades 9-12)
- "Thank
you for the opportunity to take such a wonderful course!! I have
learned so much from everyone that I will be able to use in my
classroom."
- "Easy
to learn and great examples and clips too!"
SCIE552
Inquiry in Physical Science Education (Grades 9-12)
- "Great
course for reflection on teaching strategies!"
- "The
videos were very helpful."
SCIE568
Weather and Climate (Grades 6-12)
- "What
I liked most about this course were the teacher resources, ex.
Teacher's Domain."
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Instructional
Strategies Courses:
INST120
Creating Units to Support Differing Learning Styles K-12
- "This
course offered a lot of information about thematic units that
could be used in the classroom."
- "The
course really helped me get a good look at the learning style
of my students which I think will help me a great deal the rest
of this year in planning to teach to their learning styles."
- "A
theme based unit across the curriculum is a natural for the lower
grades and this course helps in preparing them. For the upper
elementary grades and even middle and high school, it is a way
for teachers outside of their field to work together (i.e. math
and sciences or Lit and the Social ) and bring cohesiveness to
a school."
- "Flowed
very well, assignments were very meaningful to each subject area."
- "I
would love to see all teachers exposed to this kind of preparation
and training."
- "I
think this course gives everyone a good foundation for differentiated
instruction if they don't already know how to plan units like
Integrated Thematic Instruction Units or Universal Design for
Learning Units. It had very good resources in it, imparting a
lot of knowledge without hours and hours of studying traditional
texts. The Kovalik and Associates site was very attractive as
well as informative, particularly."
INST125
Building Critical Thinking Skills for Online Research K-12
- I enrolled
in Building Critical Thinking Skills for Online Research a few
years ago and give it my complete endorsement. As a result of
my taking this course, Broome teachers and I developed two programs
that led to a BEST BUY TE@CH award and an Ed Tech award.
Sheila Oliver, Broome High School, Spartanburg, SC
http://www.spa3.k12.sc.us/Broome/teacherline.htm
- "While
taking "Building Critical Thinking Skills for Online Research,"
I developed a website evaluation tool that my 4th and 5th grade
students use in determining the usefulness of a website."
INST300
Curriculum Mapping I by Heidi Hayes Jacobs K-12
- "The
knowledge about curr. mapping was explained well and I feel that
I can truly explain the info to others AND encourage them to either
take the course or work with me on constructing a map!!"
- "The
teachers are chattering away about their curriculum maps and the
course in the lounge, on campus and everywhere – they are
so excited about being a part of this and it is truly changing
their lives. This is a great springboard for doing this districtwide."
INST310
Inquiry-based Learning in the Classroom K-12
- “I
feel my questioning techniques have improved, and I am more conscious
of asking higher level thinking questions.”
- "I
liked the structure--we learned, we applied, we reflected."
- "The
information was relevant to my classroom."
INST320
Connecting Family, Community and Schools K-12
- "The
course had good informative material. I found it easy to get on
the computer when I could and then looked forward to checking
the discussion board."
- "The
information was relevant and well rounded as well as the assignments...I
now have a jump on a few things for next school year."
- "After
taking this course I was able to come up with several programs
that help to draw parents and business partners into our school,
benefiting both our school and our local community."
INST330
Improving Learning Through Collaboration K-12
- "I
most enjoyed exchanging ideas and information with a widespread
and diverse population of educators."
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