The Learning Center provides two types of advisory support to science educators.
1. Live Online Advisors
Online Advisors are experienced educators who help Learning Center users
identify resources and tools in support of their professional development. Learning
Center users may interact with Online Advisors in the (a) asynchronous Community
Forums and (b) via one-on-one chat by accessing Live Support.
a. Live Support
Educators may tap the expertise of the Online Advisors by accessing Live Support,
a one-on-one live chat communication tool. Online Advisors help identify appropriate
resources to improve teachers knowledge of science and pedagogy. They provide tips
for searching resources in the Learning Center, share information regarding upcoming
opportunities, and assemble collections that teachers can use.
Live Support Schedule
Online Advisors work in two-hour shifts. Some shifts are staffed by two Advisors. The current schedule of 74 hours per week is described in the table below (All times Eastern).
|
Mon - Thu |
Fri |
Sat |
Sun |
| 9:00 am - 11:00 pm
|
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
|
10:00 am - 2:00 pm
|
5:00 pm - 11:00 pm |
If no Online Advisors are available, users may click on Live Support and leave a message. Messages are answered promptly by the Online Advisors during the following shift.
b. Community Forums
The NEW Learning Center
Community Forums (Physical, Life, Earth/Space Science, and General Science)
are open to ALL Learning Center users. It is the place for conversation
about science education and e-PD resources. Online Advisors monitor and respond
to Learning Center users' questions. They also seed questions and share information
regarding Learning Center updates.
2. SciPack Content Mentors
SciPack Content Mentors are content experts assigned to specific SciPacks. These content mentors are tasked with responding to teachers’ questions submitted via e-mail within the SciPacks. The SciPack Content Mentors respond to all questions within 48 hours and are available to respond to an unlimited number of questions.
About SciPacks
SciPacks are 10 hour online learning experiences that you can use to help you better understand the content you teach. SciPacks are aligned with the national science education standards. Each SciPack contains:
- Up to five self-paced interactive online learning experiences called Science Objects that use an inquiry-based approach with engaging simulations and embedded questions.
- An email content Mentor to address your individual questions; these knowledgeable content experts respond via email within 48 hours.
- A pedagogical component to assist you in translating the content for your classroom.
- The opportunity to pass a final assessment and print a certificate from NSTA demonstrating your understanding of the content addressed within the SciPack. The certificate can be found in the "My PD Record" tool page.