The University of St. Martin will soon be offering a course specifically for teachers, instructors, lecturers, and aspiring teachers to enable them to use technology more effectively in the classroom
The course entitled "Teaching and Learning in a Digital Environment" will begin in the third week of November 2011 and run until January 2012.
"This course is one of a kind for the island of St. Maarten especially since so many students are so into technology. It will enable teachers to be adequately prepared to offer students the best education possibilities using technology in the process," USM officials said.
The course contents reflect the following domains like Pedagogy of Teaching in a Digital Environment, Digital Learning Concepts, Collaborative Learning, Awareness: Ethics, Health & Safety Considerations, Reviewing, and Practicing with Authoring Tools, and Design, Develop and Develop Courseware; From Curriculum to Method.
At the end of the course, participants will be able to:
– Develop and distribute digital class materials and assessments to use in their own classes
– Work in a collaborative setting during the course
– Set up their own digital environment that meets their school’s organizations requirement
– Use the advantages of technology within their organizations.
One unique aspect is that persons taking the course may also be tapped to teach future sessions of the course. The instructor for the first session of course is Mr. Marcus Nicolaas Jr., who holds a Masters degree in Educational Science and who has taught on various levels both on Curacao and St. Maarten. Some of the software applications that participants will be using include Microsoft PowerPoint, Courselab, Hot Potatoes, Articulate Presenter, Articulate Quizmaker, Wikipages, Youtube and Video Soft, Online Collaboration and Skype.
Teachers can use for their own self-enrichment or as an upgrading course. The course is open to all individuals with a Bachelor’s degree and an updated laptop. USM has also formally approached the various school boards on the island to ascertain whether they would be interested in groups of teachers taking the course.
The course is in line with the technology education requirements for teachers on St. Maarten.
Established since 1989, USM offers a host of education and certification programs and courses to individuals and businesses on the island. Persons interested in more information on the "Teaching and Learning in a Digital Environment" course, such as the fees and meeting schedule, can contact the Admissions Office at the University of St. Martin at 542-5171 Ext. 1008 or 1019.