Thursday, April 22, 2010

week 9

Alabama Learning Exchange

When I googled the Alabama Learning Exchange (ALEX), the first thing I noticed was how easy it was to find what you were looking for. On the home page, you can choose from lesson plans, courses of study, web links, etc. Then, each topic is broken down between either subjects for the teacher or student. The website provides links to the Alabama Department of Education, career and technical education, counseling and guidance, and several other links that may be useful to teachers. There is even a link you can click that will provide access to several podcasts that cover many educational topics.

ALEX is used to help students, teachers, and administrators share educational information through things such as links and podcasts. This website is about education in the state of Alabama. You can create an account and become a frequent user. You can choose nearly any subject ranging from math to physical education. You are able to view objectives, and choose the grade level you are interested in teaching. I believe is a very useful website for those who are interested in teaching as well as those who are already teachers.

Alabama Learning Exchange

Alabama Connecting Classrooms, Educators, and Students Statewide (ACCESS)

I found ACCESS to be interesting, but compared to the Alabama Learning Exchange website, it is confusing. The website states that their goal is to "create equity through additional educational offerings for all Alabama public high school students." This distance learning could truly be a blessing for some students who are very interested in learning, but because of the location of their school and the school use of resources, they are not able to explore everything they wish. The program was started in 2004.

I looked at the tab on the website that strictly pertained to the students who might use this type of distance learning. I was surprised to see that the program provides students with access to 10 AP, or advanced placement, exams to practice with! WOW! I wish my high school teachers had known about the program and shared this information with me because I was in AP English and AP Chemistry as a high school senior. This tab on the website also has information for parents so they will know just exactly how distance learning will benefit their child. The program also provides ways to help you decide if you are ready for distance learning. I think the program is a great way to help students prepare for the transition between high school and college.

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