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The Educational Technology Conference in Florida
January 12-15, 2010 Orange County Convention Center Orlando, Florida |
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
FETC University to Offer New Teacher Recertification Option
Chatsworth, Calif. -Educators seeking recertification will have a new distance learning option when FETC University launches in March. The program - a partnership between FETC (a division of 1105 Media, Inc. ) and Knowledge Delivery Systems (KDS) - will allow K-12 educators to take self-paced, on-demand, online courses that will count towards their recertification credits or salary advancement.
FETC University online courses are being developed and presented by leading experts in the education and technology fields. Many classes will be led by speakers from FETC 2010, one of the nation's oldest and largest conferences devoted entirely to educational technology, which takes place Jan. 12-15 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla. Key topics for FETC University will include 21st century skills, utilizing emerging technologies and social networking collaboration to improve educational instruction.
"We are always looking for additional ways to help teachers integrate technology into their classrooms, " said Michael Eason, executive director of FETC. "Technology is the key to ensuring that quality education is accessible to every student, and FETC University will be an important tool to make certain that teachers understand and can apply the latest innovations in classroom technology. "
FETC University courses will include video content featuring lectures, classroom examples, teacher panels, presenter dialogue and other interactive content. Additionally, courses will include PowerPoint presentation slides synchronized to the video, printable transcripts and resources and interactive discussion forums where teachers can share thoughts and learn with other educators.
"We are extremely excited about our partnership with 1105 Media and FETC, " said KDS CEO Alvin Crawford. "At KDS, our company mission is to empower educators to transform teaching to support the needs of 21st century learners. FETC University provides a perfect setting for us to enhance online professional development, while at the same time providing a personal benefit for teachers in the form of graduate credit. "
Although the virtual courses are meant to enhance the content presented at FETC 2010, non-conference attendees will not be affected, as all online classes are stand-alone and can be completed without conference attendance. For conference goers, the courses will provide an opportunity to extend their FETC 2010 learning experience. Courses from FETC 2010 presenters will be available at the end of March, with the exception of Meg Ormiston's "Teaching, Learning and Leading in a Digital Age" course, which will be available at FETC 2010. Courses will range from $149 for recertification to $399 for three graduate credits, however, discounts will be offered for FETC conference attendees.
For the past 30 years, FETC's live annual conference has offered educators - from kindergarten through college - opportunities to learn how to integrate technology into their curriculum. The more than 200 concurrent sessions provide professional development and demonstrate how products, applications and best practices can be used in the classroom. Two years ago, FETC spawned FETC Virtual, a completely free and online conference where educators can share best practices and tips, network with industry leaders and have real-time access to other participants. FETC University is another offspring of the FETC family, created to further advance the goal of integrating technology into the classroom.
For more information on FETC University, including a list of available courses and biographies of its education experts, visit www.fetcuniversity.org. For more information on FETC 2010, including a detailed list of sessions, exhibitors, ticketed workshops and registration information, visit www.fetc.org. FETC, a division of the 1105 Media Education Group, is owned by 1105 Media, Inc.
About 1105 Media, Inc.
1105 Media, Inc. provides integrated business-to-business information and media to qualified professionals in the public, academic and private sectors focusing on technology, products, policy, regulation and news delivered through an assortment of media including print and online magazines, journals and newsletters; seminars, conferences, executive summits and trade shows; training and courseware; and web-based services. The markets served by these offerings include Government, Education, Network & Enterprise Computing, Business Intelligence, Office Equipment, Industrial Health & Safety, Compliance, Security, Environmental Protection, Water & Wastewater and Home Medical Equipment.
1105 is based in Chatsworth, Calif. , with primary offices throughout the U.S. and more than 350 employees. The company was formed in April 2006 by Nautic Partners LLC, Alta Communications and President & CEO Neal Vitale.
About KDS
Knowledge Delivery Systems provides strategic professional development programs tailored to district, school and individual teacher goals. At a district and school level, the KDS approach is to scale industry best practices by developing rich online courses in partnership with nationally recognized leaders, including Charlotte Danielson and Robyn Jackson, on a platform that ensures fidelity of content, efficacy of practice and ultimately evaluation and measurement of impact on student achievement. Working in partnership with districts, programs include needs assessment, tailored PD programs, coach support, and measurement of teacher impact, as well as providing incentives toward individual goals, such as salary advancement and graduate development. For individual teachers, the KDS approach is to help teachers reach their full potential by providing courses, including a Master of Education, from industry practitioners that offer proven methods of improving instruction immediately during the course. The goal is to provide teachers with the means to develop their career and at the same time improve the impact on their teaching and ultimately student achievement.
For media inquiries, contact Knowledge Delivery Systems toll free at (800) 728-0032.