what is a teaching course alternative format

by Miss Josephine Botsford I 5 min read

With alternative formats all students can meet the same learning objectives using resources that are built to target the needs of the individual student. For example, Blackboard Ally creates audio and electronic braille alternatives for students with visual impairments. Alternative formats aren't just for a select group of students.

Alternative Format Accommodations refer to accommodations that create access to print information. Services that help to create that type of access include MP3, Braille, E-test, PDFs and tactile graphics.

Full Answer

What are the different types of alternative teaching certification?

To ensure timely access to textbooks, the format that is provided by the publisher will be made accessible and provided to the student. The format is typically a PDF. Therefore, a preferred …

How do I download alternative formats for my course?

With alternative formats all students can meet the same learning objectives using resources that are built to target the needs of the individual student. For example, Blackboard Ally creates …

What are alternative teacher preparation programs?

The most common four file types of electronic formats used in the education setting are: Microsoft Word, Portable Document Format (PDF), PowerPoint, and Excel Spreadsheets. …

What are the different types of alternative formats?

Sep 17, 2021 · With passing test scores and pre-service training complete, complete a supervised one-year internship, earning a full teacher salary and benefits. Teachworthy is one of the most …

What is alternative print format?

Alternative formats refer to various methods for overcoming print disabilities, including large print, digital, audio, and braille. Alternative formats provide equal access to information to people who are blind or visually impaired (BVI).

What are the blackboard ally alternative formats?

Now, if your school uses Blackboard Ally, you can download alternative formats of instructor content directly from your course. Many classrooms today, both physical and digital, are integrated.
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Electronic braille
  • Braille Me Demo.
  • Refreshable Braille Display and the iPad.
  • Refreshable Braille Device.

What is Blackboard ally?

Blackboard Ally is a revolutionary product that integrates seamlessly into the learning management system and focuses on making digital course content more accessible.

Is Blackboard ally free?

Blackboard Inc. announced the launch of the File Transformer, Powered by Blackboard Ally — a free resource enabling students to convert their digital course content into a range of alternative formats to meet their unique learning needs and preferences as they adjust to digital teaching and learning modalities.Apr 6, 2020

What is an epub file?

ePub. The ePub alternative creates a digital publishing file that can be viewed on mobile devices. ePub files are reflowable. Reflowable means that the content displayed automatically adapts to the device it is viewed on. Here are a few suggested apps for ePubs.

What is a beeline reader?

Instead of using plain black text, BeeLine Reader displays text using a subtle color gradient that helps pull your eye through your readings. This new display format has been honored by the United Nations and is used by readers in 120 countries around the world.

What is an OCR alternative?

The OCR PDF alternatives are created when the original content is a PDF of an image. OCR technology analyses the content and converts the image into searchable text. The conversion is only as good as the quality of the original content. If the content is difficult to analyze, there may be mistakes.

What is ePub for?

ePub is powerful. With it, readers can take notes, highlight content, adjust text and background, and in some cases use text-to-speech.

Why are alternative formats important?

Alternative formats provide greater opportunity for everyone to access the information they need in the way they need or want it. With alternative formats all students can meet the same learning objectives using resources that are built to target the needs of the individual student.

What is a tagged PDF?

A Tagged PDF alternative uses tags and elements—such as blockquote, paragraph, and headings— to add meaning to a page. It aids screen reader users with good content structure.

How does Ally work?

Ally detects the language of the original content and selects a matching language for the audio format file. If you want the original content in a different language, try the Translated Version format.

What is alternative teaching licensure?

Alternative teaching licensure was introduced as a way to make up for a lack of qualified teachers. Instead of relying solely on teachers who have completed an education degree and received certification, school districts can hire qualified, degree-holding candidates to teach while they pursue their credentials. If you're interested in becoming a teacher through this method, keep in mind that the available teaching positions are usually the hardest to fill, including math, the sciences, special education and positions in geographical shortage areas.

Can you get a teaching certificate with a masters degree?

Degree programs often let you earn a teaching certification while you earn credit towards a master's degree in education. The number of credits you'll earn varies by program, and most of these degree programs take longer to complete than certification programs. Once you have finished both the certification and degree requirements, you can apply for state licensure.

What is a refreshable braille display?

Refreshable Braille Displays: are electronic devices used to read text tactually that is typically displayed visually on a computer monitor. The refreshable braille display is connected to the computer by a serial or USB cable and produces braille output (with small plastic or metal pins that move up and down to display the braille characters) for the reader.

What is Braille in science?

Braille: A tactile system of cells and dots.

What is an epub?

ePUB: ePUB is an electronic book format that has become the industry standard, allowing eBooks that use this format to be read on a wide variety of e-Readers.

What is the Queen's ATC?

Queen's students registered with the Queen's Student Accessibility Services (QSAS) are given access to The Adaptive Technology Centre (ATC). The ATC contains technology and services that enable students with disabilities to study, research, and access library and course materials. The following is a list of some adaptive available to students:

What is writing tool?

Writing Tools: Software that assist students with word prediction, grammar, and spelling errors in documents. (e.g. Ginger)

What is mind mapping?

Mind-Mapping: Software that assists students in the brain-storming process and thought organization which assists the writing process. (e.g. Inspiration)

What is voice to text?

Voice-to-Text: Software that allows users to speak into a microphone while the computer transcribes their voice into a digital format. (e.g. Dragon Naturally Speaking)

What are the different certifications for teachers?

Most alternative routes to certification can be grouped into seven broad categories: certification through a formal alternative teacher preparation program; Transition to Teaching; National Board for Professional Teaching Standards certification; career and technical education certification; emergency and provisional teaching certification; in-district training; and teaching equivalency and portfolio evaluations. These pathways are not available in all states and each has different qualifications and steps to completion, but they do share commonalities. Though the order of the following steps may change according to the route followed, in nearly all cases, prospective teachers will need to:

What is an alternative route to teaching?

Alternative routes to teaching are available in the majority of states and offer people who have not completed coursework in education the opportunity to meet teacher standards and become educators licensed to teach in public schools. If you are interested in becoming a teacher through an alternative route, continue reading to find an overview of the most common options for alternative certification as well as links to our state-by-state guides.

How to get a teacher certification?

The most common order of steps to earn certification through a formal alternative teacher preparation program is: Apply to an approved alternative route teacher certification program. Complete the formal coursework required prior to the student teaching experience.

How to become an alternative teacher?

Nearly all states offer approved alternative teaching certification programs (sometimes referred to as university-based programs) that involve postgraduate teacher preparation. Candidates following this route to become a teacher attend a teacher preparation program as would traditional-route educators earning a four-year education degree. The major difference between this option and traditional teacher preparation is that alternative route to teaching candidates are completing preparation after earning a bachelor’s degree, as opposed to traditional route candidates who usually complete teacher preparation as part of a bachelor’s degree. The most common order of steps to earn certification through a formal alternative teacher preparation program is:

How to get a teaching certificate in a school district?

Though less common than the routes outlined above, some states do have pathways that include teacher training within a school district, or with supplemental coursework in lieu of a full-time teacher preparation program, that lead to an alternative teaching certificate. Individuals may receive a provisional or limited certificate to teach while completing a teaching mentorship and training program. In states that allow this approach, the school district may recommend those who excel in teaching practice and complete the mentorship and training program for full licensure. To earn a teaching certificate via an in-district alternative route, you must typically complete the following steps:

What is the NBPTS?

The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) is a national, non-profit organization that offers certification for accomplished educators. NBPTS certification is widely respected, and in some cases can be used as an alternative route to teaching. States that incorporate NBPTS certification as a route to teacher licensing include Alabama and New Hampshire. Where it is recognized, the steps to earning state-level teacher certification via NBPTS certification are:

Why do we need alternative certification?

Today, alternative certification has been widely adopted as a way to recruit talented individuals in all subjects who have a passion for teaching but do not have backgrounds in education. According to a survey by the National Center ...

How long does it take to become a teacher in Texas?

Becoming a teacher in Texas via the traditional route requires four years to complete a bachelor’s degree, plus any additional semesters to complete certification requirements.

How many credits does Teachworthy have?

Teachworthy has a university partnership to provide 15 credits towards a 33-credit Master's Degree when finishing our program. Click here to learn more.

What is Teachworthy?

Teachworthy is one of the most popular alternative teacher preparation programs, and offers:

What degree do you need to become an educator?

All teachers are required to have at least a bachelor degree to get their educator certificate.

The List of Alternatives To Lectures For Teachers

So then, the list. This is an interesting post to write because a large part of our content is to provide alternatives to lectures. In that way, our site at large could be seen as a compilation of alternatives to lecturing.

About The Author

TeachThought is an organization dedicated to innovation in education through the growth of outstanding teachers.

Why is unschooling important?

Affords greater flexibility (students don’t have to adhere to a rigorous school schedule) and time for students to be active in their community. Some students claim that unschooling causes less stress than a traditional academic setting.

What is the alternative method of education practiced by some worldschoolers and homeschoolers?

2. Unschooling . Unschooling is an alternative method of education practiced by some worldschoolers and homeschoolers, but it’s accessible to anyone. The concept behind unschooling is simple: Students decide what to learn and when to learn it.

What is Montessori education?

Montessori is one of the most well-known alternative methods of learning and has been around for over 100 years! Developed by Maria Montessori, this alternative educational method nurtures children’s independence and relies less on adults. In a Montessori classroom, you’ll find toys that are within kids’ reach and a teacher whom students view as more of a guide than an instructor.

How long have the Dennings family been nomadic?

Take the Dennings family — they’ve been nomadic for 10 years! This family of nine enjoys its cultural experiences and literally learns as it goes.

What is the term for traveling around the world?

1. Worldschooling. Traveler and writer Eli Gerzon coined the fancy term of “worldschooling ” to describe a form of experiential learning that involves traveling around the world. You can think of it as a fairly literal take on the popular saying that the world is your classroom.

What is the alternative form of schooling based on?

Based on the philosophy of Rudolf Steiner, this alternate form of schooling emphasizes art and the belief that humans are innately good and can transform themselves for the better — talk about an optimistic educational view!

What are the challenges of the Waldorf method?

Challenges of the Waldorf method. Time-consuming for adults as there is an expectation for parents to be heavily involved. Programs can be costly and according to an article from education.com, some Waldorf schools may lack diversity.

How did Bill Nye get into the classroom?

Bill Nye got into our classrooms via a rolling cart, a color tube TV, and a VHS cassette. In the classroom is where he planted a seed that grew into future scientists across the nation. Bill Nye did not have a degree in science or education. He graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Cornell University.

What degree did Bill Nyes have?

He graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Cornell University. Yet, he is undoubtedly one of the most effective and influential teachers of my generation. Unfortunately, most of the Bill Nyes of the world aren’t starring in PBS shows that are broadcast to classrooms nationwide.

How to solve teacher shortage in schools?

In their Teacher Shortage Series, the Education Commission of the States reported that the solution is two-fold: Recruit more teachers. Keep them in the classroom.

Why can't talented people say yes to teaching?

Secretary of Education, Rod Paige, believes that this is keeping excellent teachers out of our schools: “…in too many of our states and communities, lots of talented people find that they cannot say yes to teaching because of hoops and hurdles that have been placed in their way.

Is alternative certification a shortcut?

It is a common misconception that Alternative Certification programs are shortcuts and therefore cut corners. After all, won’t a teacher who has been trained for four years always be better than one who has not? Not necessarily. The National Association for Alternative Certification found that teachers who complete alternative route programs stay in the classroom longer. They reported that 83% of teachers who take alternative certification programs continue teaching after their first three years in the classroom. Compare that to a 60% retention rate for teachers who completed traditional certification programs.

Do alternative certifications stay in the classroom?

Not necessarily. The National Association for Alternative Certification found that teachers who complete alternative route programs stay in the classroom longer. They reported that 83% of teachers who take alternative certification programs continue teaching after their first three years in the classroom.

Who said "If you are ready to roll up your sleeves and tackle your own learning, then you are the type of

If you are ready to roll-up-your-sleeves and tackle your own learning, then you are the type of teacher we need. As Wes Gordon puts it:

What is grading for equity?

Grading for Equity is a set of principles that emphasize increasing accuracy and fairness and decreasing bias and unreliability in grading practices. Grading for Equity specifically seeks to avoid:

Why do we grade?

In particular, these approach es provide opportunities to give more constructive feedback to students, give the instructor and students reliable information about their learning, and focus on promoting students’ intrinsic motivation. Three “alternative” grading frameworks are briefly described below.

Who wrote the reliability of the grading of high school work in English?

Starch Daniel and Edward C. Elliott. (1912). “Reliability of the grading of high-school work in English.” The School Review, 20 (7): 442–457.

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Alternative Teaching Overview

  • Alternative teaching licensure was introduced as a way to make up for a lack of qualified teachers. Instead of relying solely on teachers who have completed an education degree and received certification, school districts can hire qualified, degree-holding candidates to teach while they pursue their credentials. If you're interested in becoming a t...
See more on learn.org

Eligibility

  • To become a teacher using the alternative route, you must meet a few requirements that can vary by state and program. In most cases, you must already hold a bachelor's degree and have professional experience. Your degree and experience should be in the subject that you'll teach, and you should be able to pass preliminary testing in your subject as well as in basic skills.
See more on learn.org

Types of Programs

  • If you're accepted into an alternative teacher training program, you'll begin education coursework that focuses on the methods behind successful teaching for the grade level you wish to teach. After completing this coursework, you can obtain your provisional alternative teaching licensure, which allows you to teach in a school for a limited time and meet your program's experience req…
See more on learn.org

Certification Programs

  • In a certification program, you'll take education courses and earn your teaching certification, but you may not necessarily earn a college degree. Both traditional colleges and independent schools offer these programs, and to ensure the quality of education you'll receive, you may wish to determine whether a school is state-approved to offer teacher certification. After completing cer…
See more on learn.org

Degree Programs

  • Degree programs often let you earn a teaching certification while you earn credit towards a master's degree in education. The number of credits you'll earn varies by program, and most of these degree programs take longer to complete than certification programs. Once you have finished both the certification and degree requirements, you can apply for state licensure.
See more on learn.org

Requirements For Alternative Routes to Certification

Alternative Certification Requirements by State

Common Routes to Alternative Teaching Certification

Additional Resources

Frequently Asked Questions