Online course information

 alsc online course logoSummer 2012
 July 9 - August 17, 2012

The Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) is pleased to offer a variety of quality online education courses.  All courses will run between four and six weeks and will be taught in an online learning community using Moodle.  All courses are offered asynchronously (self-directed) meaning you will never need to sign-in on a specific date/time for an online meeting.

To sign-up for an upcoming course, visit the ALA registration website or fill out the registration form and mail it in.  Course space is limited and additional courses will be added in the future.

(6 weeks, July 9 - August 17, 2012)
For almost 75 years, the Caldecott Medal has been a sign of superior artistry and creativity in children’s picture books, given to only one book every year.  With so many children’s picture books published each year, how is the Caldecott Medal winning book selected?  What makes picture book illustration distinguished, and how has that definition changed over time?  Learn about the history of the award, how the award has transformed books over time, and how to look critically at picture book art.
Instructor: Kathleen T. Horning, Director, Cooperative Children's Book Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison
 
(4 weeks, July 9 - August 3, 2012)
Marketers and publishers define "tweens" as children who range in age from 8 to 14. For the purposes of this course, "tweens" are 10-12 year olds, children who are in the "double-digit club" but not yet teens. This course will examine the characteristics that make this age group unique; developmental needs and abilities; why children of this age group are particularly vulnerable to illiteracy; and unique activities and programs (including the utilization of currently popular technologies) libraries can offer to keep these children on the path to becoming lifelong readers. A primary focus of the course will be surveying the large body of quality literature available that has particular appeal for this age group.
Instructor: Edward T. Sullivan, Rogue Librarian/Writer
 
(6 weeks, July 9 - August 17, 2012)
Graphic novels are quickly emerging as one of the best tools for motivating kids to read and have become essential components of many library collections, but are you maximizing the benefits this format offers for your programming and patrons?  Are graphic novels even a fit for your library?  Explore these and many other critical elements surrounding graphic novels for children.
Instructor: Janet Weber, Youth Services Librarian, Tigard Public Library
 
(5 weeks, July 9 - August 10, 2012)
Although children’s librarians think learning to read is about books, teachers use buzz-words such as lexile, phonics and word walls.  Parents and students are often seeking grade appropriate reading materials.  Several methods are used to determine grade level.  In order for children’s librarians to effectively assist patrons, they need to understand how to interpret grade levels assigned to books by publishers and educators.  This course will provide children’s librarians with an understanding of different methodologies for reading instruction, including sight words, phonics, literate environment and pre- and post-reading activities.  
Instructor: Katherine (Kate) Todd, Adjunct Instructor, Manhattanville College

Out of this World Youth Programming
(6 weeks, July 9 - August 17, 2012)
If you are like most children’s librarians, you are no doubt faced with the continual challenge of providing programs that are not only fun and appealing, but also highly informative and educational.  How do I fit all age levels?  What is age-appropriate?  How do I make old materials fresh again?  Where do I even begin?  This course will provide innovative ideas and suggestions on how to plan, promote, execute and evaluate your programs to work for you and your patrons.
Instructor: Angela Young, MSLS, Youth Services Librarian, Lorain Public Library System 

Frequently asked questions

Are these self-directed courses or real time?  What is the time commitment involved?

All courses are offered asynchronously (self-directed).  Occasionally, a course my hold several synchronous chat sessions which are scheduled and announced at the start of the course.

Participants will be expected to login to the online course and interact several times a week. This can include reading online, working on assignments, reading and responding to the discussion boards. Participants will be given weekly deadlines, but will be able to work at times that are most convenient to the student. 

What is Moodle?  I have never used it before.

You will not have to download any special software to use Moodle.  Moodle is an effective online learning community that is Web-based.

The following Web site is mainly for those developing courses in Moodle ( http://moodle.org/).   However, there is a course demonstration feature that shows students the Moodle environment utilizing Moodle itself. 

In the very first paragraph in the center frame (This site itself is created using Moodle, so check out the Moodle Demonstration Courses or read the latest Moodle Buzz.), click on “Moodle Demonstration Courses”.  You will then go to a Web page where you are able to explore a sample Moodle course that is the template for how most courses are structured and explanations for each of the areas.  Please visit this link to explore the Moodle environment and see if you think it is something you will be comfortable using.

After you have registered for an ALSC course, your instructor will send you a URL for the ALA online course environment about a week before the start of the session.  If you have not used Moodle before, you will need to create a Moodle account ( http://classes.ala.org). The login is not tied to your ALA user name and password.  Please set your email filter to allow mail from the domain classes.ala.org. as you will receive a confirmation email that is needed to complete setting up the account.  Your instructor will also provide you with an enrollment key that will allow you entry to the course.  You will then be able to access your course information, interact via discussion boards, and work with the instructor and other students.

Do you offer college credit or CEU's for these courses?

College credit nor CEU's are available at this time.  ALSC's online courses are the equivalent of a one day face-to-face workshop.  A certificate of completion will be sent to each participant upon successful completion for each course taken.

Requirements vary by state and school district regarding certification and continuing education credits.  The decision to grant CEU credits remains entirely up to your state or school district.  If you are in need of credits, check with your state and/or school district before enrolling to determine eligibility.  Some states will review your certificate of completion and course syllabus to determine eligibility.  A PDF copy of the syllabus can be provided to you upon request.

Questions?

Contact ALSC Program Officer Jenny Najduch at jnajduch@ala.org or 1-800-545-2433 ext. 4026.