To the Editor:
The article “Education Schools Playing Catch-Up” in your recent educational technology special report (Virtual PD Creates Connections, Oct. 26, 2011) was a good start toward highlighting the gaps between teachers’ needs for immediate attention to professional development and programs offered by colleges of education. However, despite referencing the “high profile” Florida Virtual School, the article missed an opportunity to acknowledge a promising new program offered at Florida State University that specifically addresses the needs of teachers as they begin to conduct instruction in online and hybrid environments: the Blended and Online Learning and Teaching, or BOLT, certificate program.
BOLT is a set of four research and theory-based courses, each of which is characterized by practical, applications-based assignments. The program has been designed by university faculty members in collaboration with Florida and Leon County Virtual School administrators and instructors. More information about the program, which is open to all practicing teachers and other school personnel, can be found at www.coe.fsu.edu.
Pamela S. Carroll
Associate Dean for Academic Affairs
College of Education
Florida State University
Tallahassee, Fla.
