MODULE description

This module will provide basic tools for teachers to transition to distance learning safely. In addition, this module will provide guidance on how to explore and engage students in online learning in a secure manner. Teachers will also learn how to have a professional online presence as well as learn best practices in netiquettes for virtual and online remote learning.

Dr. Kendra Flores-Carter is a Published Author, Professor of Social Work at California Baptist University and a Researcher in the Social and Behavioral Science. An advocate for social justice and change, she has dedicated her career to helping bring awareness to disparities in health and various issues affecting women and children. A former Medical Social Worker for over 10 years she was tasked to provide services to children suffering from trauma related to child abuse and women experiencing significant life crisis such as Intimate Partner Violence, Substance Abuse Complications, Incarceration, Homelessness, and Mental Illness. Locally, nationally, and internationally Dr. Flores-Carter has presented her research, trained professionals, and facilitated workshops on various health related topics. Dr. Flores-Carter is the current President of the Postpartum Support International California State Chapter and Co-Chairs the Inland Empire Maternal Mental Health Collaborative. She is the founder of the Janet Don’t Cry Foundation a non-profit dedicated to providing education, support, and resources on health needs globally.

Dr. Carla J. Thornton represents District 2 as a member of the Moreno Valley City Council. She was elected to her first four-year term in December 2018, and is the first Black woman to serve on the Council. Her policy priorities are homelessness; roads and infrastructure; City beautification; business development; and veterans affairs. In 2019 she created the City’s “Hire a MoVal Veteran” program.

She is an academic by profession and serves as an Assistant Professor at California Baptist University, where she specializes in teaching social work management and policy.

Councilwoman Thornton was born in Culver City and graduated from the University of Maryland University College, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Science. She also earned a Master of Arts degree in Management at the University of Redlands, and a Master of Social Work degree and a Doctorate of Social Work at the University of Southern California. Her doctoral research focused on women veterans and the economic-development challenges affecting the Inland Empire.

Dr. Thornton understands women veterans, having proudly served her country as a member of the United States Air Force for 20 years. She deployed twice in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, and retired at the rank of Master Sergeant.

As a Moreno Valley Councilwoman, she serves as a member of the Southern California Edison Advisory Panel; the League of California Cities Housing, Community & Economic Development Committee; Co-Chair of the Department of Veteran Affairs Inland Empire Community Veterans Engagement Board; and as an alternate member for Riverside County Supervisor Jeff Hewitt on the Western Riverside County Regional Conservation Authority.

Prior to being elected to the City Council, Dr. Thornton was already an active member of her community chairing both the Moreno Valley Traffic Safety Commission and the City’s Environmental and Historical Preservation Board.

When she’s not busy educating the leaders of the future or giving back to her community, Councilwoman Thornton enjoys spending time with her daughter, traveling and reading a good book.

Learning Outcomes and objectives

The main objective of this training is to equip teachers and school leaders with the technological skills to begin to use an online platform for teaching and learning. At the end of the module, participants should be able to:

• create a classroom in an online platform;

• upload content, video and audio to classroom;

• facilitate discussion through the use of boards and provide meaningful feedback;

• create online assessments for students;

• use calendars to post activities in an online classroom;

• develop professional Netiquette Rules to manage student & teacher interactions online.

MODULE expectation

Participants’ successful completion of this module is based on their participation in all required activities. This may include but is not limited to follow-up questions, discussions and activities throughout the module.