WED e-LEARNING UNIT

As a university student, the majority of learning activities in which you engage are probably directed toward completing course assignments and meeting program requirements to attain a baccalaureate degree. You are no doubt looking forward to the day when you finish the WED program. However, you should not assume that the need to learn and study will end with completion of the degree. In fact, many graduates discover that they work harder and study more in adapting to a new, professional level position than they did in preparing for it! On-the-job professional development will continue throughout your career.

In simple terms, professional development refers to "formal and informal means of learning new skills, developing new insights, and exploring new content and resources." In this unit you will learn about the role of professional organizations and become familiar with resources available at the Career and Technical Education National Research and Dissemination Centers.

Note: This unit will require you to view several webcasts which are best accessed via a high-speed internet connection. If you use a dial-up modem, you may wish to view the webcast with a colleague who has a broadband connection.

7. Applies the concepts of continuing professional development.
Topic A - Nature and characteristics of a professional organization
Objectives	Assignments
7.1 Describes the role of a professional organization.	1. You will view an archived webcast by Janet Bray on "The Role of the Professional Organization in Career and Technical Education (CTE)." Click here to view the webcast. While the focus is CTE, most of this information is applicable to all professional organizations. 2. Complete Part I of the e-learning assignment. Note that this page contains three parts. Parts II and III will be assigned later.
7.2 Surveys various career and technical education and human resources professional organizations.	3. Learn about the professional organizations listed on the accompanying page. Click on the URL for each organization and become acquainted with its mission, services, activities, and the like. 4. Complete Part II of the e-learning assignment.
7.3 Shows awareness of the function of the National Center for Career and Technical Education.	5. Explore the NRCCTE website to become familiar with the National Center. Look at the About the Center section. 6. Read the sections on each of the following: Research Dissemination Professional Development 7. Read a related article published in Techniques (February 2000) about creation of the Centers. 8. Click on the following link to see a list of publications by topic.
Topic B - The CTE Professional Development Speaker Series.
Objectives	Assignments
7.4 Explains the purpose of the webcasts and podcasts hosted at NRCCTE.	9. Read the page explaining the webcasts and podcasts. Note that the presentations are available via live and archived webcasts.
7.5 Views and critiques a webcast of interest.	10. Examine the list of dozens of archived webcast presentations. Select one presentation of interest and view it at your convenience. Since you are required to write a summary and reaction to the webcast, review the writing guidelines beforehand. This will help in preparation for viewing and taking notes during the presentation. 11. Complete Part III of the e-learning assignment.