Becoming An Online Teacher Even When I Didn’t Sign Up For It
Tim Newby
We are pleased to announce that an interdisciplinary team from our college, led by Timothy Newby, professor in learning design and technology, has been awarded a $1,548,823 grant from the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief fund, which, in turn, was funded by the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
Utilizing the expertise of faculty from our learning design and technology, special education, and English language learning programs, the funding will support a two-year project titled “Becoming an Online Teacher Even When I Didn’t Sign Up For It.” The project provides K-12 teachers in Indiana access to training and resources to assist with online, hybrid and hyflex teaching in light of the current COVID-19 pandemic.
“With schools reopening this fall, there is an increased emphasis on online and hybrid teaching along with classroom de-densification,” said Newby. “To train teachers to teach effectively and comfortably in these new environments we will provide them with the resources and training materials to help them succeed immediately, as well as a set of modules for those who are interested in acquiring a virtual teaching certification/license.”
Co-principal investigators include Jennifer Richardson, professor in learning design and technology; Adrie Koehler-Blair, assistant professor in learning design and technology; Kharon Grimmet, clinical assistant professor of special education; and Trish Morita-Mullaney, assistant professor of literacy and language.
“With the extra challenges facing teachers due to the pandemic, our outstanding faculty will lend their expertise to provide support and training,” said Nancy Marchand-Martella, Suzi and Dale Gallagher Dean of Education.
Methods include:
- Online modules leading to digital badges
- Free access for K-12 teachers to the Purdue Repository for online Teaching and Learning
- Training and support for K-12 students and their parents
- Opportunities for K-12 teachers to complete Google Certification and/or the Indiana State Virtual Instruction License.
A special populations team will ensure accessibility of instructional content for special education and English language learner students.
Tippecanoe School Corporation will partner with us for the development and evaluation phases of this project.
“Our faculty saw a need and got right to work on a plan to fill it,” said Marchand-Martella. “I’m incredibly thankful Dr. Newby’s proposal was selected by the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief program. The funds will allow our faculty to provide this crucial support and resource for hardworking Indiana teachers.”