WASHINGTON (Map) - WASHINGTON, Feb. 8 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The North American Council for Online Learning (NACOL) is pleased to announce the next webinar in the monthly series:

"Trends, Myths, and Action in Professional Development for K-12 Online Teaching"

(LOGO: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20071101/6061LOGO)

Niki Davis, Director of Iowa State University Center for Technology in Learning and Teaching

Lisa Dawley, Chair of the Department of Educational Technology at Boise State University

Kerry Rice, Assistant Professor in the Department of Educational Technology at Boise State University

Wednesday, February 13, 2008; 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. (Eastern)

Register: http://www.nacol.org

This webinar complements two recent white papers that NACOL released on professional development: Going Virtual! The Status of Professional Development for K-12 Online Teachers and Professional Development for Virtual Schooling and Online Learning.

The Webinar will review national trends in the professional development of K-12 online teachers and debunk common misconceptions in relation to preparing teachers to teach and facilitate K-12 online learning. This session covers the professional development continuum from preservice through in-service to master educator. It will also describe complementary roles in online learning including, teacher, site facilitator or student coach, and administrator of regular school and virtual schools.

"Online learning in K-12 schools is growing at 30% annually. Online courses are expanding access and leveling the playing field for all students to close the enormous gaps and disparities that exist today in American education. Having educational leaders understand the professional development necessary for virtual schooling is critical," said Susan Patrick, President of NACOL.

Registration is open until 2 PM (ET) Tuesday, February 12, 2008.

About NACOL

The North American Council for Online Learning (NACOL), founded in September 2003, is the international K-12 non-profit organization representing the interests of administrators, practitioners and students involved in online learning in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and abroad. NACOL's mission is to increase educational opportunities and to enhance learning by providing collegial expertise and leadership in the K-12 online teaching and learning marketplace. The association strives to achieve this mission by leading initiatives to conduct research to enhance quality K-12 online learning; encourage collaboration among practitioners in the online learning marketplace; and promote the success and effectiveness of online learning.

http://www.nacol.org