goingon

Trine Professor Published in IACTE Newsletter, Helps Develop Online Teaching Standards
Thursday, February 25, 2021

ANGOLA, IN - Megan Tolin, assistant professor and director of educational technology and pedagogy in Trine University's Franks School of Education, recently had an article published in the inaugural newsletter for the Indiana Association of Colleges for Teacher Education.

She also is serving on a working committee for the Indiana Department of Education to set state standards for an online teaching licensure.

Tolin's article - titled "Can a Worldwide Pandemic be a Catalyst for Change?" - looks at the impact COVID-19 has had and will continue to have on faculty practices.

"While there is potential for faculty to improve upon their pedagogy, especially in relation to their use of technology, it is critical that leaders spend the time and energy to create spaces that foster creativity, provide professional learning opportunities, and model reflective, adaptive practice," she said.

With online and blended learning already increasing prior to COVID-19 and then exploding after the pandemic began, the IDOE asked Tolin to serve on a committee charged with updating the standards. She said the department had previously established "virtual educator standards," but very few programs offered online teaching licensure.

Tolin said the revised standards cover eight core areas: learning environments; learner engagement; instructional design; assessment and measurement; diverse and equitable Instruction; digital pedagogy; digital citizenship; and professional responsibility. She said the committee is making final edits and hopes to have the standards ready for approval at the March meeting of the Indiana State Board of Education.



MORE HEADLINES