Online Trainings and Online Learning

Heartland AEA, in partnership with the Iowa AEA system and the Iowa Department of Education, is committed to using distance learning to help professionally develop Iowa's teachers and offer more resources. Below are services and resources available for Iowa educators.

Mandatory and Non-Mandatory Online Training Site
The AEA online training site offers self-paced training modules in several mandatory and non-mandatory areas. Trainings include topics such as Mandatory Reporting of Child & Dependent Adult Abuse, OSHA mandated trainings, Section 504 Awareness and Ethics for Educators. Online trainings are provided free of cost for Iowa educators of accredited K-12 schools.

Online Courses
Heartland AEA offers several online courses using our Moodle platform. These courses come from many different content areas and include a variety of formats, both synchronous (live from a distance), asynchronous (any time, pace or place learning), and hybrid instruction. Instructors interested in teaching online courses for Heartland AEA can contact Evan Abbeyat eabbey@aea11.k12.ia.us or ext. 14511 with questions.

What is Online Learning?
In study after study, online learning has demonstrated not only its utility in working in people's schedules, but also its value in meeting curricular outcomes as effectively as face-to-face instruction. In this section, we have linked to several current research articles on the quality of effective instruction, as well as resources for those wanting to know more about online learning.

Online Communities
Iowa features many online communities and social networks, where members meet and collaborate virtually. Here are listed several online communities available in Iowa for educators. If your educator network has an online community that you would like listed, or are interested in starting one, please contact Evan Abbey.

Webinars
Iowa's AEAs are dedicated to bringing different formats of professional development to meet educators' needs. One way is through webinars, where people can share ideas, collaborate, discuss, and meet virtually.  This can cut down on travel and associated costs and can eliminate geography as an issue. Plus, webinars can be recorded, meaning those with conflicts can see trainings at a later time.  Here are listed the webinars available at Heartland.