TEA Introduction to Biotechnology Project
Texas teachers have a chance to learn some exciting new biotechnology applications to add to their courses and earn a $300 stipend while attending a 2-day Summer Institute this year. The Texas Education Agency and Austin Community College Biotechnology Program are collaborating to offer a professional development opportunity for high school science, health science, agriculture, and STEM Career and Technical Education (CTE) teachers in the state of Texas. The project will provide rigorous training in biotechnology, including the latest information and discoveries, through online delivery, podcasts, and a capstone laboratory-based Summer Institute held throughout the state.
The curriculum includes online modules for teachers to learn the biology, chemistry, math, and biotechnology applications, as well as some information about the modern biological instrumentation, industry regulatory, and quality assurance concerns found in the biotechnology industry. The self-paced online modules will be available through Austin Community College from April through August for teachers interested in participating. Three face-to-face Summer Institutes are scheduled in June and July, with locations in Austin, Houston, and Dallas. Teachers are required to complete all three online modules before they are qualified to attend a Summer Institute. Participants in the Summer Institute have the opportunity to perform biotechnology experiments that can be used in high school settings. Teachers will be given timesaving and money-saving tips on how to set up and maintain a biotechnology laboratory.
| Self-Paced Modules | Available Dates | CPE Credit |
| Module 1: Biotechnology Basics |
April 15, 2009 to August 15, 2009 | 20 hours |
| Module 2: Application of DNA Technology |
May 11, 2009 to August 15, 2009 | 10 hours |
| Module 3: Biotechnology Opportunities and Concerns |
June 1, 2009 to August 15, 2009 | 10 hours |
| On-Line Courses must be completed by: | August 15, 2009 |
| Summer Institute Location | Summer Institute Dates | CPE Credit |
| Austin, Texas | July 9-10, 2009 | 16 hours |
| Dallas, Texas | July 23 & 24, 2009 | 16 hours |
| Corpus Christi, Texas | July 30 & 31, 2009 | 16 hours |
Enrollment in the online modules and the summer institute will be at no cost to participating teachers. Districts may support teachers by providing funds for travel, meals, and lodging. Teachers will be paid a stipend of $300 upon successful completion of the Summer Institute. Information about the online modules and Summer Institute is available at TEAbiot@austincc.edu and information updates will be posted at http://www.austincc.edu/biotech
Registration for the online courses is available from April 15 through August 15, 2009, at http://biotech.mindflash.com. Admission to the Summer Institute is available upon request, and based on participants who complete the three online modules earliest.
Instructions for Online Courses
Connect to the internet. Open a web browser and type in the following address: http://biotech.mindflash.comRegister for the course (this will generate a username and password).
Enter your username and password in the login box. This will take you to your online course personal homepage.
Click on the course title to access the course content.
