iNACOL Special Edition Webinar Series

	Special Edition Webinar Series: “Starting an Online School or Online Program” Starting an online school or online program is a many-faceted challenge, even for seasoned educators. This four-part webinar series will present a framework for starting an online program by identifying the key issues that must be addressed and which types of issues need to be addressed first. Topics such as selection of a Learning Management System (LMS) and other administrative systems; selecting content and developing courses; teacher recruitment, preparation, and support; student support; and access issues will be discussed during this series. Attend the entire series, or just a specific session or sessions that meets your needs! Session 1 – July 16 (3PM ET) “First Level and Second Level Decisions” The first webinar in the series will present an overview of the process of establishing an online school or online program. A framework that identifies the various issues to be addressed will be presented, along with information on which are the first series of decisions to make and which are the second series of decisions to make. In addition, there will be a discussion on how to select a Learning Management System (LMS) and other administrative systems for your school. Panelists for the session have all had experience in starting a virtual school and look forward to sharing the lessons they have learned. Speakers: Curt Fuchs, Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Bryan Setser, North Carolina Virtual Public School Matthew Wicks, Matthew Wicks & Associates Session 2 – July 21 (3PM ET) “Selecting Content and Curriculum Development” One of the most important aspects of any online program is its course content. There are a variety of options when it comes to establishing your program’s curriculum, ranging from developing all of your own content, to licensing all of your own content, to utilizing modules from providers, and to utilizing open educational resources. The panelists for this session will discuss the various options and what factors lead to making specific decisions. Speakers: Dawn Nordine, Wisconsin Virtual School Chris Rapp, Idaho Digital Learning Academy Terri Rowenhorst, Monterey Institute for Technology and Education Session 3 – July 23 (3PM ET) “Teacher Recruitment, Preparation, and Support” As is the case with any educational program, the quality of the teacher is critical to student success. However, just because a teacher has classroom experience, does not mean he or she will be an effective online teacher. This session will provide important information about effective practices in identify, selecting, preparing, and supporting quality online teachers. Speakers: TBD Session 4 – July 28 (3PM ET) “Student Support and Access Issues” The structures of online programs are often very different from those of traditional schools. While sometimes traditional support structures will work, often new and innovative methods for student support must be established for the online school. This panel will discuss the various challenges in proving student support in an online area and the methods used to provide that support. Speakers: TBD Or copy this link: http://www.inacol.org/events/webinar/register.php?type=special_edition Registration is open until 2 PM (ET) the day before the webinar. Please do not share your webinar link with others in your organization. Each person wishing to attend a regular, Teacher Talk or Special Edition webinar needs to register separately. Thank you for your cooperation. To ensure proper delivery of our email messages to your inbox (not bulk or junk folders), add info@inacol.org to your Address Book or Safe Sender List.