OnRamps Distance Learning Catalog for middle and high school teachers
| Date: | August 13, 2020 |
|---|---|
| Subject: | OnRamps Distance Learning Catalog for middle and high school teachers |
| Category: | Educator and Systems Support |
| Next Steps: | Share with appropriate school staff |
The Texas Education Agency (TEA) has developed a partnership with OnRamps, a signature initiative of The University of Texas at Austin, to offer a selection of free modules through the OnRamps Distance Learning Catalog for middle and high school teachers across Texas.
OnRamps Distance Learning Catalog
The OnRamps Distance Learning Catalog is a series of online professional development modules designed to support middle and high school teachers, specifically of grades 5-12, who will be teaching in distance or hybrid learning environments.
The Catalog was recently built and launched by OnRamps to support educators in effectively transitioning to online learning environments. It draws from over eight years of experience OnRamps has in offering distance education and professional learning and development. The teacher learning modules focus on the themes of Belonging, Equity, and Connectivity; Learner-Centered Course Creation and Design; Authentic Assessment in Online Learning; and Transforming Learning with Technology Tools.
Starting Thursday, August 13, 2020, five of the 20 modules will be offered to all eligible teachers in Texas for free. They reflect the evolving needs of teachers and districts at this unprecedented time and allow users to explore concise, curated content at their own pace. The five modules are:
- Cultivating Authentic Student-Teacher Relationships in Distance Learning;
- Aligning to Synchronous and Asynchronous Experiences;
- Learner-Centered Design;
- Facilitating Feedback at a Distance to Improve Students' Awareness of Learning Progress; and
- Student-Driven Self-Monitoring within a Distance Learning Cycle.
Completion of these modules will support teachers in alignment with synchronous and asynchronous instruction requirements. Teachers will be awarded one hour of CPE credit for completion of each module.
Educators can engage with the entire Distance Learning Catalog through a campus or an individual license. Customizable campus and district packages are also available. Email the OnRamps team at DLC@austin.utexas.edu for more information.
Available Training
To learn more about this training, LEA representatives can join a webinar about the Catalog on Tuesday, August 18, 2020, at 3:00-4:00 p.m. CST, which can be accessed at this link. A link to the recorded webinar will also be available starting on Wednesday, August 19, 2020, on the TEA Strong Start Resources page.
Eligible Participants
Middle and high school teachers, specifically those teaching grades 5 through 12, who are currently employed in Texas schools are eligible to participate in the available training.
Registration
Go to onramps.catalog.instructure.com to register and select the one of the modules. Click on the blue “Enroll” button and provide the requesting information, using your district-affiliated email address. A link will be sent to this email. Follow it to create a password and complete your registration. Once complete, you are free to log in with your new account and enroll in the remaining modules.
About OnRamps
Established in 2011 by The University of Texas at Austin, OnRamps offers distance education through a dual enrollment model for high school students to engage in authentic college experiences and for their teachers to deepen their content knowledge and impact in the classroom. Serving more than 38,000 students, in partnership with districts and higher education institutions across the state, OnRamps is helping to reduce barriers to college readiness and increase the number and diversity of students who are on the path to postsecondary success.