Additional Information

Testimonials

If it hadn't been for the truly intensive, comprehensive training that I received from you, Jeanie and David, there is no way I would have been prepared. You made it so that I could just pick up the ball and run with it. You taught me well. You two are Super Stars in my world and I'll always be indebted. Because of the two of you, I will be able to begin to embark on a new direction that I really want to take my life.

Sandy L., local area district

I loved the flexibility in this course. I could work when it was convenient for me.

Greg M., district in West Texas

I have taken two online instructor training courses before through other entities, but they are nothing like this course! I've learned so much about working collaboratively with others and with using online discussions to promote learning.

Jeanette W., local area district

Before this course, I had been introduced to Google docs, discussion boards, and wikis but never used them. Now I see how essential they are to changing an online course from a "workbook on the Internet" to a vibrant learning community.

Anna G., local area district

Online Instructor's Training

The Virtual Instructor's Academy of Texas. VIATx is an approved provider of the Texas Virtual School Network professional development for teachers and other staff members.

It is critical to new online teachers to experience a modeling of active instructor-lead learning. Research shows that online teachers model their online classroom after the online instruction they have received. All the VIATx online course are collaborative and student-centered. Instructors are active and model effective strategies for online learning for all online students.

VIATx provides courses required of all teachers in the Texas Virtual School Network and are aligned to NACOL (North American Council for Online Learning) and SREB (Southern Regional Education Board) standards for online professional development. We also provide additional staff development in areas of course design and implementation.

Powered by Elluminate - The Virtual Instructor's Academy of Texas uses Elluminate for all Synchronous Discussions and Whiteboard activities. More information about Elluminate is available at http://www.elluminate.com.

New to online learning? For teachers who haven't experienced an online course, or online resources such as chat, blogging, discussion boards, or wikis, we offer "Navigating an Online Course." Click the Professional Development link for more information.

Texas Education Agency Announcement

TEA has announced key partnerships to implement critical functions of the Texas Virtual School Network (TxVSN), including professional development for teaching online. Prior to teaching courses offered via the TxVSN, teachers are required to take TxVSN-approved professional development that specifically focuses on learning to teach effectively in the online environment. Information about course offerings, professional development, and participation in the TxVSN is available online at http://www.txvsn.org. Questions about the TxVSN should be sent to TxVSN Central Operations at TxVSNCentral@txvsn.org or call 1-866-93TxVSN (1-866-938-9876). Questions about Course Review should be sent to coursereview@esc4.net.

Ongoing Courses

8/9/2010
Online Instructor's Training - Part I

8/30/2010
Online Instructor's Training - Part II

9/13/2010
Online Instructor's Training - Part III

9/27/2010
Online Instructor's Training - Part I

10/11/2010
Online Instructor's Training - Part II