Alabama Learning Exchange

The Alabama Learning Exchange, called ALEX for short, is a fairly new program which allows teachers to post and share their lesson plans. Once teachers set up an ALEX account, they can use their personal workspace to create lesson plans using the template provided and store them for future use. Also, teachers can submit their lesson plans to be shared with other instructors throughout Alabama. Once their lesson plans have been submitted, they have to be approved before being posted for other teachers to view.

Other than providing lesson plans and personal workspace for teachers of all grades and subjects, ALEX also provides web links that are useful to teachers, administrators, and students. There are many sites listed that provide services such as an online translator, plans for dealing with school crises, and online projects for teachers to use. Students have access to sites that aim to reinforce what they have learned at school through online activities and games. Also, information is available about programs for teachers and administrators to improve their leadership skills and how to receive grants and awards offered to educators, and there is also a link to the Alabama Virtual Library which gives Alabama citizens access to library resources once they obtain an Alabama Virtual Library card.

Another state program that enriches education amongst Alabama's youth is Alabama Connecting Classrooms, Educators, and Students Statewide, known as ACCESS for short. This program is excellent for schools with limited course offerings such as advanced placement and certain elective classes. These courses can be offered as online classes or Interactive Videoconferencing, which is when one teacher is linked to one or more classrooms at other schools through video. Students who are good candidates for these courses are those who are computer literate, comfortable asking questions or for help, and independent learners.

After finding all this information very interesting, I hope Mississippi has similar programs for teachers. After I graduate from USA, I plan on getting my Mississippi Teaching License so I can teach in my hometown of Lucedale or in neighboring cities. However, I think ALEX and ACCESS are excellent programs that will improve the quality of education for every student in Alabama and will also open teachers to new and more effective teaching styles and techniques.