new iPads in the Classroom course being offered!

Specifically for WDM staff members who have an iPad (district provided or personal) and are looking for an extra training opportunity.

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Were you given an iPad and don’t really know what to do with it?
Maybe you do know what to do with it, but don’t know if you’re using it to its full potential?
Or how about . . . you just want to know more about the iPad and wonder what direction the district is going?

Whatever your questions, we’ve got the answers!  Introducing . . .

iPads in the Classrooms

(this class does not include the distribution of additional iPads)

This class is for those teachers who already have an iPad to use in the classroom, but haven’t been through any type of formal training.  It’s a great way to earn credit and learn more about your iPad.

Currently there are two sessions to choose from:

Session #1

Friday,           February 3rd (4:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.)

Saturday,      February 4th (9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.)

Thursday,     February 9th (4:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.)

-or-

Session #2

Saturday,      February 18th (8:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.)

Sunday,         February 19th (9:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.)

 This class is no different than other courses offered to staff through WDMCS Professional Development.  If you want to sign-up for a class, though, you’ll need to send an email to Sheri Ankeney (ankeneys@wdmcs.org). 

As with any PD/Drake class, this class will meet for the required 15 hours.  The structure of the class makes it so you can’t miss and/or make-up modules.  Once your class starts and you miss, even if it’s circumstances beyond your control, you will be dropped from your class.

This class may be taken for Drake, PD or no credit.  It’s entirely up to you.  There is no cost associated with PD credit, however, if you would like to take it for Drake credit, the cost will be $110, due at the start of the class.

A Course Preapproval form must be completed for each course taken for graduate or license renewal credit.  (Ask your school principal/secretary for this form.)

And finally . . . this class is for anyone who has an iPad and would like to learn more about it.  Our previous course offerings included the ability to receive an iPad for your classroom.   However, there were requests for a separate class for those who already had their own iPad.

Learning walk form available for review

As posted previously ( http://wp.me/s1JF02-ewalk ), West Des Moines Community Schools administrative members are making a commitment to increase their visibility in classrooms through structured learning walks. The administrative team will be spending the next several months fine tuning the form as well as receiving training for using eWalk software to recording observations.

Q1. What does the form look like? Who created it?
A1. A team of building administrators prepared the draft of the learning walk form, which is based on the core components of Essential of Effective Instruction (EEI). Here’s a link to the >>>current draft of the form.<<<

Q2. What type of format will the walk-through template be? Checklist only? Written feedback?
A2. It will contain both a checklist and an open ended written feedback.

Q3. How will administrators be recording this information?
A3. Administrators will be using the eWalk app on an iPad to record their observations.

Q4. As a teacher, what type of feedback will I get?
A4. Teachers will receive a copy of the form with feedback via email.

Q5. When does this start?
A5. Some administrators have already started using/testing the eWalk app. The intent is to use this semester for testing and piloting, with district expectations for full usage to start next fall.

Q6. I have questions/feedback about the learning walk form… who do I direct my questions to?
A6. Please talk with your building principal.