NCTeach

Through a collaborative initiative with the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, NC TEACH, and LEARN NC, a state-wide group of teacher education faculty developed online modules based on the original NC TEACH curriculum. These modules are a significant part of an online alternative licensure program that includes an online or face-to-face orientation, access to a student resource center and support services.

Stand alone and integrated modules include: The Teacher and the School, Understanding the Learner, Effective Teaching, Diversity, Technology, and content methods modules in math, science, and special populations. Host universities have the option of offering a completely online program, completely face-to-face program, or a blended program, which is a combination of online and face-to-face classes. To find out if the university you are interested in offers an online component, please visit their individual web page, or start here to help you decide: Where Can I Go?

The primary goal of developing this online program was to increase the capacity to offer alternative licensure programs to lateral entry teachers in North Carolina. Virtual technology also plays a key role in some of the mentoring services that are offered through NC TEACH, giving access for new teachers to a variety of resources and communal support.

There are several benefits of online learning:

Flexibility

It allows you to do your work at your convenience, with your own schedule.
The class is always available. This is a wonderful advantage to those with full time jobs, familial obligations, transportation problems, those who live a distance from a host university, and those with other special needs.

Economical

You will save money on gas, parking, and childcare.

Characteristics of a successful online learner include:

Self-disciplined

You are expected to log on and read through many pages and comments - specific amount of time must be blocked off every week to meet the requirements of the course.

Highly motivated, energetic and patient

A good amount of time is spent on visiting various websites, navigating a myriad of links, and troubleshooting technological difficulties you will invariably encounter (invalid links, server down, computer crashes, etc.).
An online learner is a highly energetic student who will succeed in all modalities. If you are highly energetic in learning, chances are high for you to succeed.

Accountable

In an online environment, everyone must contribute to discussions and group projects, if you don't actively participate, you will not be given full credit.
There is no hiding, or being the quiet student in an online classroom.

Can keep up with an accelerated pace

Online learning is achieved at accelerated pace, and everyone must be prepared and contribute in a timely manner, otherwise the whole group will suffer.
Procrastination must be avoided. Keeping up with your assignments is critical so that you do not fall behind. It is important not to wait until the last minute to complete assignments.

Good communication

One of the most important aspects of an online course is good communication. Regular communication makes online courses real; lack of communication undermines them. "Participating" in an online course means making comments and thoughtful contributions regularly.

An NC TEACH OnLine student is expected to:

Participate in the virtual classroom 5-7 days a week
Be able to work with others in completing projects
Be able to use the technology properly
Be able to meet the minimum standards as set forth by the institution
Be able to complete assignments on time
Enjoy written communication.

Click here for a quick self-assessment to test your readiness for online learning.

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REFLECTIONS FROM ONLINE LEarners

Below are the reflections of an NC TEACH OnLine student, after her first week. Tracy Ennis was an NC TEACHer at Fayetteville State University.

“I never thought I would be taking any class online. Before our orientation, I had no idea what I was stepping into. The simple fact that I am a registered NC TEACH participant currently enrolled in online classes is an accomplishment for me. I am so proud of myself for taking a step of faith into the “unknown” of online learning. Just in one short week I have created a homepage, interacted with classmates on a discussion board, and navigated myself through a plethora of links, tips, syllabi, directions, and message postings. Although I have not switched to DSL, I have been able to finish my assignments on time. My busy life with two current jobs proved a challenge to make time to “log on.” However, I am also impressed at the discipline I have in making time for this because I have such a strong desire to finish this program.

Learning online is going to be a challenge, we were all promised this at the beginning of orientation. I feel well prepared for what lies ahead and I know that there are many people “cheering” for us all as we work out the obstacles of the course work. There is no easy way to prepare us all for what lies ahead this coming year.

I was actually surprised by the number of people at orientation that were willing to step into this online course. I did not think it would be so popular because of the challenges that we are promised to face. Taking a graduate level course in three weeks after being out of college for five years makes me a little shaky. Again, I am encouraged by knowing that so many others of different ages and backgrounds are with me in this.

I still have so much to learn. This orientation has helped me tremendously in navigating the programs we are using. I feel like I have taken a crash course in a computer class. Just like in working with special education, there will always be more to learn. One benefit of this course is the chance to hear other's ideas and experiences through our discussion boards. I have already watched and read as people have found areas in common and I know as we all read our coursework and dive into this information that I will come away with rich knowledge from the diversity of my classmates. I will continue to move forward in this program, taking with me the knowledge and experiences I will gain into the classroom.”

-Tracy Ennis
FSU Online Student

Here are reflections from Kristen Mayfield after her first week of FSU's NC TEACH OnLine:

“Wow! What a week. I never thought that online learning could be so much fun. The discussion board is great. Although, I do find it difficult to keep normal “chit chat” out of a formal discussion board. I think this week made that especially hard. It was a “getting to know you” kind of week and it was exciting to find commonalities among people that were up until a few days ago, complete strangers.

I’m also very happy that I can “attend class” at 12:00 AM! This kind of learning will be very good for me. It will help me to plan my time, plan my family’s time, and help me to focus.

I really love that we all have our own homepages. In this virtual world it’s difficult to have an identity. The homepage allows us to let our personalities shine through.

I was surprised that the blackboard format was so easy for me to use. I was also surprised at how quickly I could navigate through it even though I have dial up! Can you imagine how excited I am about how quickly it will go once I get DSL hooked up?

Our session 5 assignment was a very important assignment to me. It illustrated very well the need to complete assignments on time. It was frustrating to click on names in the roster and not have a homepage come up.

This assignment asked me to consider what areas I still need improvement in; all of them. Online learning is completely new to me in this kind of structured format. Everyday I participate in the course I hope to improve and grow as an online student and as a future educator.”

- Kristen Mayfield
FSU OnLine Student

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