Online Education Course

Why Take An Education Course?

Educators are typically required to take courses to maintain their teaching certification. Additionally, earning college credit hours can help them move up the pay scale. Beyond these concrete motivators, many teachers wish to make themselves more effective in the classroom. Online education courses can help anyone reach these goals at their convenience, with no concern for location.

Why Go Online?

Have you ever heard of a hot new trend in education and wished you could learn more about it? Perhaps you'd like to implement literature circles in the language arts classroom or Total Physical Response in your French instruction. There can be a number of problems with finding appropriate training, though. There may not be any workshops in your area. In tough budget times, schools may not have the money to pay for your conference fees and a substitute teacher for the day. Maybe a sub isn't even available, or it's the last day to review for the mid-term, or any number of other reasons why you can't just leave your classroom behind.

Online education courses remove many of these problems. You don't have to worry about missing class time because you can attend the class at your convenience. You can take a class on the topic of your choice from any instructor in the world, whether you live closer to Los Angeles, Detroit or Miami. Getting your school to cover the costs may still be an issue, but reimbursement may be possible when the school isn't also paying $75 for a substitute. Besides, teachers have been paying for their own supplies and training for years, so it's probably the least of your worries, and it might make a good write-off at tax time.

Finding Online Education Courses

Degree Programs

Many colleges are offering online classes and degrees, and the following list provides just a few examples of the possibilities. Even if you're not interested in completing an online education degree, you can usually enroll in single classes as a lifelong education student.

• The University of Phoenix specializes in online instruction. In addition to Bachelors and Masters degrees, they offer education courses especially designed to fulfill continuing education requirements.
• The Michigan State University College of Education offers a Master of Arts in Education degree online with concentrations in special education, technology, school leadership, literacy, and science and mathematics education.
• Washington State University features specializations in English as a Second Language and Special Education.

Workshops

Again, these are just a few examples of the many possibilities:

• The Concept to Classroom series provides self-paced workshops on general topics like after-school programs.
• The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum offers an online workshop called Teaching About the Holocaust.

If you're having troubling settling on a class or provider, ask your colleagues for suggestions. There are also numerous mailing lists and message boards dedicated to general teacher concerns or teaching a specific subject area. These groups are usually happy to answer a fellow educator's questions and provide recommendations.

If you're concerned about earning credit for official purposes, such as a teaching certificate or pay raise, it's essential you take online education courses from an accredited institution. If you're seeking professional development, an accredited institution can still help you find the best educational experience, but not every workshop or discussion group will be offered by an accredited group.

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