Facilitator Training Course Information

The FOR-PD Facilitator Training and Certification Course is designed to provide future facilitators with the knowledge and skills they need to become successful online facilitators for the Florida Online Reading Professional Development Course (FOR-PD).

In order to become a facilitator, one must first apply and meet the minimum criteria established by the project. Applicants must have knowledge of reading education and methods. Those applicants who meet the criteria will be invited to join the FOR-PD Online Facilitator Training and Certification Course. Before becoming a FOR-PD facilitator, applicants must successfully complete the online training and certification course. FOR-PD accepts applications and offers the course each semester.

The Training and Certification Course consists of seven lessons. Five of these lessons focus on providing background information on the FOR-PD project, online professional development, and the tools and techniques used in online facilitation and learning. The last two lessons explore the FOR-PD course content and give future facilitators hands on practice.

Each lesson includes at least one written assignment and a quiz. A score of 80% or better is required on all seven modules to complete the course. An electronic certificate (PDF) is emailed to participants upon successful completion of the course, and the district staff development office is notified.

Course Objectives

Upon completion of the Online Facilitator Training & Certification course, participants are expected to demonstrate mastery of the following skills:

1. Describe the FOR-PD course and the goals of the course.
2. Identify advantages of online learning.
3. Identify potential disadvantages of online learning and describe ways each disadvantage can be addressed.
4. Identify the role and responsibilities of the online class facilitator.
5. Describe techniques for facilitating an online course.
6. Identify and use online tools such as chat, discussion boards, email, and the WebCT grade book.

Course In-service Points

Upon successful completion of the seven lessons in this class, participants should be eligible to receive 25 in-service points. The staff development office of your school district awards in-service points not FOR-PD. FOR-PD simply suggests the number that might be awarded.

Course Evaluation

Participants will be expected to complete at least one written assignment and a quiz at the end of each lesson. In addition they are required to participate in activities that allow for practice using components in the course from both a participant and facilitator point of view.

An 80% success rate on each quiz and written assignment is required. On those activities that are not graded, participation is the requirement.

The facilitator of the training course will grade the written assignments using the rubric provided for that assignment and will offer feedback. The quizzes are self-correcting, and provide immediate feedback. Quizzes may be retaken three times only.

The content of each lesson may include links to outside resources and experiences with a variety of online tools.