FEA and VTO Team Up for PD Online Training
Springtime 2010 By Blanca Sotelo
It was a cold, rainy Saturday morning. On February 27th, 27 teachers and ESPs traveled from six locals to participate in the first “Introduction to Online Professional Development Training”. Local associations represented were: Volusia, Seminole, Osceola, Bradford, Palm Coast, Inverness, and Citrus. Members who are certified ER&D trainers and those who are interested in exploring online facilitation were encouraged to attend. Those who attended this training will have the opportunity to become part of the first group of FEA members to participate in FEA’s new online offerings available later this year.
The Volusia Teachers Organization co-hosted the training at Spruce Creek High School in Port Orange. Upon arriving, participants were treated to breakfast and greeted by VTO president, Andrew Spar and FEA PD Director, Danielle Montes. The training was held in the school’s computer lab where the FEA Professional Development Department unveiled the online learning portal. Participants were able to try out the site and features, as well as learn about the skills required for online facilitation. After completing this training, members will be eligible to receive a free online facilitator training course.
The course was expertly facilitated by Debbie Bohanan from Osceola. Her ability to impart information with humor made the class enjoyable as well as informative. Participants were exposed to a variety of tools and strategies which they can employ upon becoming online facilitators. Participants got to know each other and share what they learned throughout the training. The training continued after a hardy lunch and many of the members left enthusiastic and committed to becoming online facilitators.
The participants’ enthusiastic comments included:
• “It is a great resource and tool for PD!”
• “It ‘unmasks’ the online class process.”
• “I learned many new things and look forward to becoming an online facilitator.”
• “Online technology is here and we need to understand the terminology, the systems, etc. and how to use them!”
The collaboration VTO and FEA PD made this a very success training event. The FEA PD department would like to especially thank Susan Wilkes and Primrose Cameron-Hall, VTO staff members. Their attention to detail made this an enjoyable experience for everyone.
Online Facilitator Training will be offered later this year and several online courses are currently being developed. The Professional Development Department would like to encourage anyone who is interested in online learning to participate in future training opportunities.
For more information, please contact Danielle Montes, danielle.montes@floridaea.org or call 850-222-7769.
