Sept 15th PD day

On Sept 15th, 2014, we are planning a full day professional development for all WDMCS certified staff that will be comparable to the Feb 21st technology PD day from this year.   To see what happened on Feb 21st, check out our page that reviews and summarizes Feb 21st.

 

 

Basic math about Sept 15th…
We are estimating up to 650 that might attend.  If we want approximately 20 people per session/group, we’ll need at least 32 trainers.   We are going to hire 10 Google Certified Trainers for the day – and we’ll be asking them to handle the most advanced sessions related to Google and formative assessment tools.

Where will we get the remaining 22 trainers?
That’s where our new teacher leader positions come in.  They will be asked to run additional sessions on various topics for staff.   

Can we provide input for the Sept 15th PD day?
Yes, certainly…   contact Brian Abeling with any comments, ideas, or suggestions related to the Sept 15th PD day.  At this time, we’re just starting the planning – but we hope to have tentative agendas available in June/July.

 

Do you Moodle?

WDM staff members..

Do you Moodle?  Are you using our district Moodle server?

Currently we’re running an older version of Moodle and instead of upgrading our existing server, we’re taking a look at moving our Moodle services over to the AEA, through their AEA K-12 Online Moodle Hosting, see http://moodle.aeak12online.org/ for more details.

What’s the advantage?
* We’ll get a newer version of Moodle with additional features beyond what we have now

* AEA has the expertise to maintain and provide new features as they become available.

* AEA has personnel who provide training and support.

What concerns?

* Instead of logging in with your existing computer account (Active Directory account), students and staff will need to log in with their Google Apps account.  This shouldn’t be a problem for 7-12 staff and students, but may be more of a concern for K-6 students, as not all K-6 students use their Google Apps accounts.

Will all of our existing Moodle data/information be moved?
If you request to have your files/information moved, we will move it to the new system.

Why aren’t we just moving all data from all classes?
Most of the classes and content in our Moodle server are NOT being used – they were created years ago and haven’t been used.  Instead of moving everything, we will move just the classes/courses that are actively being used.

I want my classroom Moodle files moved to the new system – who do I contact?
Brian Abeling, abelingb@wdmcs.org   and please let me know exactly which courses need to be moved.