Alabama Learning Exchange (ALEX)

The Alabama Learning Exchange (ALEX) website consists of interactive resources that supply teachers, students and administrators access to a collection of online educational information. Possibly one of the greatest features, allows teachers to connect and share ideas, lesson plans and resources with each other. Lesson plans are identified and paired with Alabama Course of Study standards, and can be searched or sorted by subject and grade level. Teachers have access to over 10,000 resources to help them better educate their students. Educators can even sign up for their own web site, or work space, that allows them to store lesson plans created or found through the ALEX website.

The website also supplies information on ACCESS Distance Learning, an initiative that supplies additional electronic learning opportunities to high school students across Alabama. Through ACCESS, students can take classes not offered by their local high school to develop higher skills or to provide remediation help. ALEX provides a collection of web links organized by topics, for students and teachers who are looking for additional information in a particular subject area. There are also numerous links to professional organizations for teachers and administrators looking for additional professional support.

Overall, ALEX is a wonderful source for educators and students. The site provides a central place where teachers can share education materials and resources, and a location where students can find supplemental information on a varied index of subjects and opportunities. As a future teacher, ALEX is a resource I expect to use and incorporate into my lesson plan development. With so many great ideas out there, many created from experienced teachers, there is no need to always start from scratch. Incorporating ides from others, helps to bring great ideas together, and ultimately can help lead to being a better teacher.