2015-16 Staff Focus – Building Your Technology Skills!

Our agency is investing in building your technology skills this year! Using input we collected in the spring of 2014 from each of our planning councils, the data we received from the technology questionnaire we completed in April 2015 and our need for highly developed staff, we have prioritized the skills and built a framework for learning core technology skills. Three days of professional learning time will be devoted to building our skills over the course of the 2015-16 school year.

Our Vision for Core Technology Skills at Heartland AEA
Heartland AEA staff will confidently use technology to support self-directed learning, to collaborate, to communicate, to create and to critically problem solve.

Our Expectations for Using Technology
Staff members are expected to use technology and be self-directed learners as part of each of our professional responsibilities. To provide support for staff members, the Agency will define core technology devices and applications that will be supported, as well as define a plan for how staff will access technology-related training, resources and supports.

Q: When will this start?
A: September. You will receive an email from our Communications Department that will start the learning process with a Google pre-assessment. The chart below gives additional information about when the other content areas will be available.

Q: How will I know when content is available?
A: The Connection will keep staff updated on all the information regarding our technology capacity building efforts.

Q: How will this system work?
A: First, you will need to have an AEA PD Online account. Log in using your Google account. (If you do not remember your login information, contact Shelley Christensen for assistance.) If you haven’t created an account, click on Log In in the upper right, click Login With Your Google Account and activate by following the instructions.

Q: Once I login, how will I know where to start?
A: Once logged in to the AEA PD Online Learning System, you will choose the catalog link in the upper left hand sidebar. Then, click on district modules, and all of Heartland AEA’s content for our capacity building training will be listed.
•    Begin by clicking on the course you want to take.
•    The pre-assessment will be the first screen.
      If the pre-assessment demonstrates proficiency, you will be notified and can print a certificate of completion and move on to another Google Apps module.     
      If more leaning is indicated, you will move on to the online learning module for the current content Google module.

Q: Where do I go to access the post-assessments?
A: The post-assessments will appear at the end of the training module.
•    If the post-assessment demonstrates proficiency, the staff member will be notified and can print a certificate of completion and move on to another content area pre-assessment.

Q: What happens if I don’t pass the post-assessment?
A: If more leaning is indicated, you will return to the content module and do further study using the embedded resources. Then you can retake the post-assessment.

Q: Who will keep track of the learning modules I complete?
A: You will be able to print a certificate when you complete each learning module. The Agency will also keep a master record of the learning modules completed by each staff member, which will be shared with supervisors.

Q: Am I expected to complete all the learning modules on the chart?
A: Yes. The Agency has prioritized this as part of our shared professional learning this year. The trainings are designed to be completed within three full days over the course of the 2015-16 year. Staff members will work with their individual supervisors on final deadlines for completing the training.

Q: What supports are in place for me while I’m accessing these training modules?
A: We have a number of supports to offer.
•    You have agency time to experience an online learning environment and expand your technology skills.
•    You can participate in face-to-face regional seminars to work on the online content in a setting where you can learn with others and be supported by a coach who knows that particular area of content.
•    You can collaborate with others who are working on the same content.
•    Significant resources are included within every learning module that you can access.
•    Tech Support Leads and agency Internal Technology staff continue their roles to provide technical support for routine questions and issues.

Q: When I finish Google, what’s next?
A: Keep watching The Connection for news about when new training modules. We expect the Mac OS module to be open in early October.

Q: What if I test out of all the learning modules?
A: Wow, you are awesome! If that happens, talk with your supervisor about what of the optional learning content areas may be a match for you this year.

Q: Whom do I contact if I have questions about the learning system?
A: You can contact Lynn McCartney, Instructional Technology Consultant, or Mande Gamble, Technology Training Specialist.

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