Building Online Collaborative Environments™ Online

Building Online Collaborative Environments™ Online

How can classroom teachers harness the power of online technologies like blogs, podcasts, and wikis for student engagement and learning? Experience the Web as a means of constructing new knowledge through conversation, networking, and collaboration. Focus on currently-available tools and effectively utilizing them for student research, writing, and learning.

Target Audience: All K-16 educators; Prerequisite: entry-level technology skills.

Time Requirement: 6-8 hours per week

Course Format: Nine-week, facilitator-led with weekly assignments, and 24/7 online access

Required Course Materials:
Online students are responsible for acquiring third-party course materials prior to the start of the course.

Richardson, Will. (2006). Blogs, wikis, podcasts, and other powerful web tools for classrooms. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.

Technology Requirements
In addition to a computer, Internet connection (high-speed preferable), and a working email account, PLS courses have the following technical requirements:

• Preferred Operating Systems: Windows 2000, Windows XP, or Mac OS 10.3
• Preferred Browsers: Blackboard does not operate properly when using AOL. For an optimal experience, use Internet Explorer 6.1 (PC), Internet Explorer 5.2 (Mac), or Safari 1.2 (Mac).Mozilla Firefox 2.0 works well for both PCs and Macs.
  Updated versions of Web browsers are free from the following links:
  Internet Explorer,Firefox,Apple Safari
• Required Software: Microsoft Word
• Required Web Browser Plug-In: Adobe® Acrobat® or Adobe® Reader™ This plug-in is required to view any of the PDFs within a course. Adobe® Reader™ may be downloaded for free using the following link: Adobe

Please note:

• If using Internet Explorer 6.0, security settings must be set to accept cookies and allow popups.
• If using Internet Explorer 7.0, please add pls.blackboard.com to your list of trusted Web sites by going to: Tools > Internet Options > Privacy tab > Sites
• When using the Microsoft Vista operating system, participants may experience problems sending messages within Blackboard courses. If so: Log into the course>Click on Personal Information on the left of the screen>Click Visual Text Box Editor Options>Change “Set Availability” to Unavailable>Click Submit>Log off and then login back in to the course.

Graduate Credit: 3 semester hours or 4.5 quarter hours.

**Please click here to check all online course registration deadlines.

*Materials sent outside of the U.S. will incur additional shipping and handling charges.

What is an "Online" course?
PLS uses the terms "Online course" to refer to courses in which participant/facilitator interaction takes place primarily through the Internet. Our facilitators will guide you through the course, give and grade weekly assignments, and lead discussions. However, there are no scheduled course meetings, and all interaction takes place through a Learning Management System (LMS) platform on the Web with 24/7 online access.

What benefits does taking a course online offer?
Many students find the convenience of taking an online course to be the greatest benefit of all. All interaction takes place through the Internet, so there are no live classes to attend. Additionally, our online courses are asynchronous, which means there are no scheduled course meetings, so participants can work whenever it's convenient for them.

Another benefit of taking an online course is the opportunity to learn and practice your computer skills with the support of the facilitator.

Are there any drawbacks to taking an online course?
Some people find the lack of face-to-face communication difficult. But many people find that the discussion tools are an adequate substitute and offer participants the unique opportunity to interact with fellow teachers from all over the country and the world.

Are there any face-to-face meetings in online courses?
No, you may be anywhere in the world, as long as you have Internet access.

How much interaction is there between the facilitator and participants?
A lot. The facilitator oversees the course for the entire eight-week period. From a welcome phone call prior to the start date, to a detailed weekly overview of assignments, to comments on the discussion board, the facilitator is an integral part of the course experience. Part of the facilitator's responsibility is to assign and give feedback on participants' course work, and you will find that she or he is always ready to help, either by phone or email.

Are there scheduled meeting times?
No, the facilitator will assign weekly coursework, which you must complete and return within a given timeframe. You will also participate in an asynchronous online class discussion, posting and reading comments at times that are convenient to you.

Do the students pace themselves from week to week?
The assignments are all due within a specific week, and should be posted within that week. However, if a student needs to be away during the class, arrangements can be made at the discretion of the facilitator for the student to work ahead. Also, since the course can be accessed from any Internet-connected computer, often a student can log-on from his or her current location.

How are assignments completed and submitted?
Assignments are sent electronically to the facilitator. Some assignments are posted to a common "bulletin board" in discussion rooms that reflect the various threads of the course. Other assignments are sent by attachment to the facilitator, or attached to an area of the course platform where they can only be viewed by the facilitator.

How many online hours do you estimate your online courses consume each week?The time you spend in one of PLS's online courses will be comparable to the time spent in and out of any traditional seat-based course. Time online depends on your working style and may range from 6-8 hours each week.

Do I need special software or technology?
There is no special software required. All you need is access to the Internet and an active email account. All material will be provided as part of the course.

What level of computer experience is required?
The computer expertise is that of an intermediate/beginner. If you can send email, you will be able to navigate the course. Sending attachments is also required, but the facilitator will give step-by-step directions if necessary. Whatever your level of expertise, you will refine those skills that you have and learn new ones.

What if I'm not currently teaching?
When a participant is not currently in the classroom, assignments are "tweaked" as necessary by arrangement between the participant and the facilitator.

How can I register?
You can register for all our online courses by calling 1-866-PLS-CLAS (1-866-757-2527) or by clicking on the course section that fits your needs in the box to the right.

What if I have further questions?
If you have additional questions not answered by these FAQs, call 1-866-PLS-CLAS (1-866-757-2527)

** Please click here to check all online course registration deadlines.

Download the Building Online Collaborative Environments™ Online Syllabus.