Connecting the DotsProfessional Development

Stephen LyleSenior Product Manager, Follett Software Company

October 13, 2011

Ice Breaker

• You have been asked to design a 4-hour PD course to prepare social studies teachers for a district-wide focus on the United Nations. All students in grades 6-9 will have a unit called “The World within Reach,” with a heavy emphasis on simulations.

• You have been asked to design a 4-hour PD course to train your nurses on a new system to keep track of all medical information. Up to now, they have kept everything on paper and in Excel spreadsheets.

Observations

• How do we prepare instruction for adult learners? • Should we approach classes for adult learners

differently from young learners?• ...

Types of PD

• Curriculum• Pedagogy• Admin / Policy• Social / Environmental• Technology• Relational

Elements of Effective PD

• Just in time vs. Just in case• Format

• Traditional vs. modern / innovative• Focus

• Student learning vs. classroom mgmt• Technology tools vs. cool technology

• Aligns with school/district improvement plans & goals• Builds working relationships among teachers

What about Technology for PD?

• “Technology is a vehicle, not a destination...Rather, aspects of technology – like all components of an effective course – should be chosen according to how they help meet the learning objectives.” -- Nine principles for excellence in web-based teaching by Jim Henry and Jeff Meadows

• What to use?

What does Technology enable?

• PD can be extended over time (ongoing, reinforcing)

• Just in time—closes the gap between when PD is delivered and when it is needed/used

(increases impact on student learning)• Opportunity for social connections, relationships

through online collaboration / information sharing• Individual learning plans and goals• Observations by mentor teachers and administrators,

electronically captured for instant feedback• What works, is cost effective, and already familiar?

What about your SIS?

Introducing Follett Software’s Aspen SIS/LMS/PD

PD Courses

• Schedule courses• Teachers sign-up online• Workflow for approval & registration• Pages (webpages) for the PD class,

lead by teachers,for teachers,using the tools theyneed for their ownclasses and students

Evaluations and Observations

• Mentor teachers• Administrators• Instant feedback• Long-term

tracking

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