Spotlight on Innovation: AP Computer Science Teacher Frank Novak and AP Lit Teacher Allyson Kreutzer
The Challenge: Use a MOOC to enhance an AP course.
The Assignment: This fall, Frank adopted a Massive Open Online Course as his AP Computer Science class. Frank guides his students through the class, allowing individual students to work at their own pace.
The Tools: Using the online vendor, Edhesive, District 214 purchased an online course for Frank’s students; this course is a College Board approved MOOC. Students use a classroom set of laptops to complete their assignments.
The Result: Students take charge of their own learning. As each student engages with the course material, other class members help out to ensure that everyone masters new concepts and information. The course goal isn’t earning points on a test; rather, it’s chasing after mastery of the skills and knowledge that form the basis of computer science. The score students reach for is the one on the AP test in May.
Alternate Assignment: Not ready to adopt a MOOC for your entire class? This fall, Allyson Kreutzer enrolled in “Shakespeare and the World,” a MOOC related to the content of the AP Lit course she teaches.
The Tools: Allyson found her free MOOC through futurelearn.com, but this site is only one of many cost-free options for teachers. Below are a few more.
To explore even more free online courses, check out “25 Killer Sites For Free Online Education.”
The Result: Like hundreds of other teachers, Allyson has discovered that MOOCs offer an individualized staff development resource. She is becoming a better teacher and having a great time enjoying the world of Shakespeare.
