UNC Asheville is taking advantage of new technologies to improve access to classes for teachers across the state who are seeking professional development, lateral entry course work or classes for a degree. The North Carolina Model Teaching Education Consortium is supporting these three classes as a service to those who are seeking an education degree and/or teaching certification. All courses will be taught by tenured faculty. The deadline to apply is January 4, 2008.

"K-8 Physical Sciences" is designed for prospective K-8 teachers and covers the physical sciences and technology found in the North Carolina Standard Course of Study and Grade Level Competencies K-8. This interactive course uses the latest in technology and emphasizes science as inquiry, scientific reasoning and critical thinking. A laboratory is included. Students participating in the course will earn four hours of academic credit. The course will cost $337.36 plus a $20 non-refundable application fee to be submitted with the application.

"Math Methods" focuses on methods and materials for teaching mathematics to middle school students. The course will emphasize teaching geometry and diversification of classroom instruction. Students will participate in a variety of activities and technology preparation in order to create resources and design a grant to impact children. Students will also prepare a unit and teach it at least three consecutive days. Students participating in the course will receive three hours of academic credit. Cost for the course is $253.02 plus a $20 non-refundable application fee.

"Number Systems" is designed to give a basic understanding of number systems. Students will start with the counting numbers and will work their way to the real numbers, exploring theoretical properties of each definable number set. Students participating in the course will earn three hours of academic credit. Cost for the course is $253.02 plus a $20 non-refundable application fee.

UNC Asheville makes every effort to ensure that online courses provide an outstanding learning experience. All UNC campuses are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, which requires that online offerings be similar in quality to residential offerings.

For registration information, visit http://www.unca.edu/distedu/onlinecourses/.

For more information, call Elaine Fox, UNC Asheville director of distance education, at 828/232-5122.