Our district is always looking for flexible ways to provide professional development. Our Manager of Computer Services came across Infosource Learning, an online LMS about a year ago that not only contained all the ‘standards’ such as the Office Suite, Internet applications, etc. but also included such things as “Integrating Technology into the classroom,” and several sections that mapped to ISTE’s NETS for students, staff, and administration. We’ve decided to move forward and have purchased a year’s license for access to this LMS. (We’re currently in the stages of getting the system administration under our belts right now before deploying/announcing to the staff.)
Much to my delight, I saw this article in Eschoolnews about another district using the exact same company and technology and calling it: Professional Development in your PJs!
For teachers in Centerville, La., the morning routine of putting on slippers and making a fresh pot of coffee has a new twist. The slippers and the cup of coffee are still there, but so are a computer and the desire to improve IT skills. It’s time to wake up and smell the spreadsheets!
In a remarkable case study released by the local school board, teachers and administrators by the hundreds are raising their IT proficiency scores simply by logging on and doing homework during their free time.
“[This professional development program] really marketed itself once I told everybody they could use the software anytime, anywhere,” said Susan Dupre, technology facilitator for the St. Mary Parish School Board. “We don’t know if we’re the first ones to use [the term], but ‘Professional Development in Your Pajamas,’ or ‘PDNPJ,’ sounded good, and it stuck!”
I’m not one to do commercials, but this system seems to be a viable way to provide 24/7 access to flexible, technology professional development. It will allow us to setup prescribed sets of courses to target user groups, track professional development hours, proficiency levels, and even create our own, custom online courses for the unique district technology systems we employ, such as our data warehouse, student information system, and even Moodle if we so choose.
It will also help us to ascertain where our staff (including administration) currently resides when it comes to technology literacy and skills – something very hard to do with a changing workforce. In addition, with an add-on package, we will be able to then check out where we stand in relationship to the ISTE standards.
I realize that for many folks, learning on a computer is not their preferred way – but I am hopeful the flexibility/availability of the system will help outweigh the reluctance – this seems to be echoed by the folks in LA:
“Some people have told me that face-to-face learning is still more valuable to them than just sitting in front of a computer,” she reported. “But, in an informal survey I recently collected, 86 percent of the 49 participants polled said they agreed that anytime, anywhere learning made them willing to accept the limitations inherent in computer-based training. One business teacher even commented that the LMS process was ‘addicting.’”
I, for one, believe that 24/7 access to learning materials are incredibly important for our students whether it be via Moodle, podcast, vodcast or any other flexible medium – and why not for our teachers too?
