Online course information
Winter 2009 online course offerings
The Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC), is pleased to offer a variety of quality online education courses. All courses will run between four and six weeks and will be taught in an online learning community using Moodle.
Registration for each class is open December 29, 2008 through February 9, 2009.
Click on the course titles below for more detailed information.
The Newbery Medal: Past, Present and Future - (6 weeks, February 9 - March 20, 2009)
What does it mean when we recommend Newbery Award winners to the children in our communities? Should the ALA seal of approval stand for 100 years? Why is that gold medal often considered the “kiss of death” by kids? How can we help parents and teachers understand what the Newbery Medal is – and isn’t? This 6-week online course will give participants a solid grounding in the history of the Medal and how it’s changed over time; an opportunity to read, discuss and consider past and present Newbery winners with their colleagues from across the nation; a chance to talk to former Newbery Committee members and a Newbery author, and suggestions for programming using Newbery-winning books.
Instructor: Kathleen T. Horning, Director, Cooperative Children's Book Center, University of Wisconsin- Madison
Reading Instruction and Children’s Books - (4 weeks, February 9- March 6, 2009)
Although children’s librarians think learning to read is about books, teachers use buzz-words such as lexile, phonics and word walls. Parents and students are often seeking grade appropriate reading materials. Several methods are used to determine grade level. In order for children’s librarians to effectively assist patrons, they need to understand how to interpret grade levels assigned to books by publishers and educators.
This course will provide children’s librarians with an understanding of different methodologies for reading instruction, including sight words, phonics, literate environment and pre- and post-reading activities. The course will then explore some of the ways that the grade-level of reading materials are determined, including Lexile Levels, Flesch-Kincaid Index and SMOG Readability Formula. These procedures will be applied to evaluate books, periodicals, websites and other material that children need to read. Finally, librarians will be encouraged to develop strategies for explaining these grading formulae to parents and to communicate more effectively with teachers as a result of their understanding.
Instructor: Katherine (Kate) Todd, Adjunct Instructor, Manhattanville (NY) College
Sharing Poetry with Children - (4 weeks, February 9 - March 6, 2009)
This course offers an introduction to the major poets, titles, and anthologies of contemporary poetry published for children with a focus on interactive and participatory techniques and approaches for sharing poetry with children and fostering their responses to poetry. For librarians and library aides who work with children ages 5-12.
Instructor: Sylvia M. Vardell, Professor, Texas Woman’s University
The Tech Savvy Booktalker - (4 weeks, February 9 - March 6, 2009)
Get children excited about books by using booktalks. Booktalks are not book reviews but short promos that tease the child into wanting to know more. Why not jazz up the booktalks by adding a technology component? During this course, learn how to make use of available technology to enhance integration for student success. From podcasts to Powerpoint, from MovieMaker to Photostory, Nancy Keane, author of fourteen books, will share ideas that will help you become the Tech-Savvy Booktalker.
Instructor: Nancy J. Keane, Library Media Specialist, Rundlett Middle School
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these self-directed courses or real time? What is the time commitment involved?
All four courses are offered asynchronously (self-directed).
Participants will be expected to login to the online course and interact several times a week. This can include reading online, working on assignments, reading and responding to the discussion boards. Participants will be given weekly deadlines, but will be able to work at times that are most convenient to the student.
What is Moodle? I have never used it before.
You will not have to download any special software to use Moodle. Moodle is an effective online learning community that is Web-based.
The following Web site is mainly for those developing courses in Moodle (http://moodle.org/). However, there is a course demonstration feature that shows students the Moodle environment utilizing Moodle itself.
In the very first paragraph in the center frame (This site itself is created using Moodle, so check out the Moodle Demonstration Courses or read the latest Moodle Buzz.), click on “Moodle Demonstration Courses”. You will then go to a Web page where you are able to explore a sample Moodle course that is the template for how most courses are structured and explanations for each of the areas. Please visit this link to explore the Moodle environment and see if you think it is something you will be comfortable using.
Once you register for an ALSC course, your instructor will send you a URL (Web address) to access your course along with a key code that will allow you entry. You will then be able to log in, access your course information, interact via discussion boards, and work with the instructor and other students.
Do you offer college credit or CEU's for these courses?
College credit nor CEU's are available at this time. ALSC's online courses are the equivalent of a one day face-to-face workshop. A certificate of completion will be sent to each participant upon successful completion for each course taken.
Requirements vary by state and school district regarding certification and continuing education credits. The decision to grant CEU credits remains entirely up to your state or school district. If you are in need of credits, check with your state and/or school district before enrolling to determine eligibility. Some states will review your certificate of completion and course syllabus to determine eligibility. A PDF copy of the syllabus can be provided to you upon request.
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