Introduction

Literacy online - Stage 2 is a literacy professional learning program for teachers of Stage 2 students. It is designed to provide a model of good practice for teachers to effectively address the literacy needs of the students in their classrooms.

The course is delivered on the Internet. It has three components:

• website activities
• online collegial discussion
• a face-to-face workshop

Online does not mean alone. Teachers accepted into Literacy online - Stage 2 have the support of a course coordinator, a course mentor and an online collegial discussion board. Participants will also attend a one-day professional learning workshop which will be designed to support their understanding of course work.

The course does not require advanced technology skills. Participants will need to know how to connect to the Internet and, send an email.Guidance will be provided in accessing the web site resources and using the WebBoard online discussion.

Literacy online - Stage 2 is divided into five modules:

1. Getting started
2. Talking and listening
3. Reading
4. Writing
5. Course conclusion

Participants will complete modules all five modules, beginning in Term 1 and finishing in Term 4.

Modules 1 and 5 focus on providing background information,pportunity for significant reflection and on ensuring participants are able to access and complete the course effectively. These modules begin and end the course, and cover a period of two weeks each.

Modules 2, 3 and 4 focus on classroom based literacy learning and teaching. To complete each module, participants are required to access information on this web site, work with a group of students and interact in an online collegial discussion.

Modules 2, 3 and 4 run for seven week periods. During that time participants will be working with a selected group of students within the classroom literacy session to improve learning outcomes. Each of the modules follows the same pattern, which is based on the teaching and learning cycle:

• Week 1: Where are my students now?
• Week 2: What do I want my students to learn?
• Weeks 3 & 4: How will my students get there?
• Week 5: How do I know when my students get there?