Tech Lessons Teachscape CEO Mark Atkinson said the program hopes to identify the best educational practices and to share them with other teachers. Model teachers will be able to interact with colleagues in chat sessions and offline activities. The timing and need for this is critical. The AFT will assist in the design, planning, and implementation of the program, which will launch in schools during the coming academic year. School districts will license the program from Teachscape.
Teachers can earn continuing education credits for taking the courses.
Professional development for teachers over the Web is not a new idea, but Atkinson believes the company's use of video case studies gives it a different approach. Other sites such as Teacher Universe and Classroom Connect focus attention on integrating technology and curriculum. The alliance was roundly applauded. We're always interested in improving. Golosky said that teachers have not traditionally shared teaching strategies because of a lack of time and opportunity, confined as they are to the classroom with their students.