NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — When COVID-19 shut down schools across Tennessee, thousands of teachers were left scrambling to find ways to move curriculum online.
Now Trevecca Nazarene University wants to help teachers across the state excel in a world of remote learning by offering free online professional development training.
The course will help teachers learn how technology can help them set up videos and interactive content for remote lessons. The 12-hour course is broken up into modules that address different topics. Teachers can focus on the areas that will be most beneficial to them, and work at their own pace. They will also have an opportunity to network with other teachers. The course is open to K-12 educators, as well as college professors.
LaMetrius Daniels, the director of Trevecca’s Center for Innovative Instruction, developed the course. She hopes it will help teachers engage students, while adjusting to challenges that come with teaching online.
"I hope it relieves some of the anxiety they have," said Daniels. "I’m hoping that they will feel well-prepared and equipped to go into next semester and deliver engaging content."
Daniels has also helped Trevecca faculty members move courses online. Trevecca's online student population is more than 4,000. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Trevecca had more fully online students than any other Nashville university.
"We've been investing in online education for the last 10 years," said Dr. Tom Middendorf, Provost at Trevecca. "This is something we specialize in. At the end of the day, this is about the kids, and Trevecca believes we have resources that can help both our teachers and students in future."
The course begins May 15.
For more information about the free training, educators should visit Trevecca.edu/remoteinstruction.
