NC-NET Academy

An Online Professional Development Program for Community and Technical College Faculty

The rationale behind the NC-NET Academy courses is that educational ideas cannot simply be presented; they need to be thought about, talked over, and experienced. These six-week facilitator-led online courses weave together readings, activities, and discussions for participants to construct new understandings in the context of their own situations. Each week, threaded discussions play an essential role in encouraging participants to reflect on the readings, share stories from their lives (and their classrooms), pose questions to the group, and express their reactions.

2011-2012 Course Offerings

September 9 – October 24, 2011:
Service Learning in the Community College
It's not just a buzzword for campus activism or volunteerism; it's a structured academic experience with deep roots in the metacognitive realm. Participants in this course will gain familiarity with a broad range of issues related to service-learning—including the philosophy behind the approach, replicable models for integrating service into the curriculum, academic quality, and assessment methods. Note: The course asks that participants work in a volunteer setting—on campus or off—in addition to teaching.
Registration for this course is closed.

October 14 – November 30, 2011:
Technology Bootcamp I: Incorporating the Latest Tools for Effective Instruction
Feeling overwhelmed by all of the new technology tools available for classroom use? Wondering if any of them can really enhance student achievement? Need some guidance on where to start but are too embarrassed to ask? This course is for you! Join us in a user-friendly environment in which we'll start at the beginning and explain the latest technology applications and how to incorporate them easily and effectively into both your online and face-to-face courses. Applications to be covered include blogging, social networking, podcasting, and more! This course is designed for IT novices. It is a required prerequisite for Technology Bootcamp II.
Registration for this course is closed.

January 13 – March 5, 2012:
Technology Bootcamp II—More Tools for Reaching Students
Don’t abandon those blogs yet! Now that you’ve gotten your feet wet in Technology Bootcamp I, you’re ready for the accelerated pace of this course. You'll learn the basics of two new technology tools each week. Get ready to explore Google Earth, lecture capture and distribution technologies, collaboration tools (wikis, Skype, Google docs, etc.), copyrights, and more! Note: This course is for faculty who have completed Technology Bootcamp I. A software and equipment list will be posted prior to the course registration.
Click here to enroll.

March 9– April 23, 2012:
From Good Teaching to Student Learning
Adjunct and new instructors are encouraged to enroll in this course that challenges participants to investigate complex issues: How well does your teaching style mesh with your college’s mission? What’s different about adult learners? How do we reach them—and how do we know that we did? Designed for participants with minimal background in education theory and application, this course will enhance new and adjunct instructors’ understanding of community college students and the factors critical to their academic success.
Registration for this course opens Monday, February 13.

March 9– April 23, 2012:
Technology Bootcamp I: Incorporating the Latest Tools for Effective Instruction
Feeling overwhelmed by all of the new technology tools available for classroom use? Wondering if any of them can really enhance student achievement? Need some guidance on where to start but are too embarrassed to ask? This course is for you! Join us in a user-friendly environment in which we'll start at the beginning and explain the latest technology applications and how to incorporate them easily and effectively into both your online and face-to-face courses. Applications to be covered include blogging, social networking, podcasting, and more! This course is designed for IT novices. It is a required prerequisite for Technology Bootcamp II.
Registration for this course opens Monday, February 13.

Summer Session Dates TBA
Technology Bootcamp II—More Tools for Reaching Students

 

Online enrollment for all courses will be available from this web page.
NC-NET Campus Liaisons will be notified of enrollment periods for each course.

NC-NET Academy Details

The NC-NET Academy courses are six-week, facilitator-led online courses that use Blackboard as the course platform. Enrollment is open to any part-time or full-time community college faculty member in North Carolina.

Tuition: Funding from the North Carolina Community College System to the NC-NET project (using Carl D. Perkins funds) will enable participating faculty members to receive scholarships covering all course tuition in addition to $100 stipends for course completion.

Registration: All course registration will be done online through the NC-NET website. When the enrollment period for a course is open, you will find a link to the online registration form below the course description. Participants will be enrolled on a first-come, first-served basis until each course reaches a maximum of 30 participants. A waiting list will also be maintained.

Participant Requirements: Full-time and part-time faculty from any community or technical college in North Carolina may apply. Participants should plan to spend 5-7 hours per week on course assignments.

Technology Requirements:

Additional Technology Bootcamp Requirements:

Questions? Please email academy@nc-net.infofor additional information.