PD Opportunities

Just because it is listed here, doesn't mean that we have exhaustively explored them. Please proceed with caution when trying any non-district PD opportunity or training option.

Opportunities

• Classroom Performance System - open to teachers using the CPS systems.
• Online Learning Tools - Information from the March 3, 2008 training.
• Web Enhanced Learning Systems - open to all District Teachers

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Classroom Performance System

The CPS is a remote controlled receiver that receives input from students from a 'clicker' and then records their responses allowing teachers to instantly assess understanding. Through a negotiation made last spring, the district received several free systems along with training to use them. Please contact Bob Logan if you have interest in learning more about the CPS.

Online Learning Tools Training Session - March 3, 2008

This 1-day training

Web Enhanced Learning Systems - Viterbo Course for 3 graduate credits

Watertown teachers have a chance to learn about and work with Web based tools that support classroom teaching and learning.

Learning has changed and new tools are changing the Web from a distribution network (one-way street) to a multi-modal communications and collaboration platform. 

The WUSD's Curriculum and Instruction and Instructional Technology areas are developing a platform to help our teachers learn about and work with Web 2.0 technologies that support instruction.  Weblogs, digital storytelling, roundtable discussions, podcasts, video, and a scaffold for organizing problems, projects, and questions are among the many features that will help us deliver content and curriculum while advancing our professional skills in an ever changing educational landscape. 

With the assistance of Bob Logan and Dave Vitale participants in this hands-on experience will:

• Upload and monitor classroom assignments
• Learn about and build instructional units that are based on problems, projects, and inquiries
• Develop and monitor an online, asynchronous learning environment and its related components
• Demonstrate accountability for participant’s professional growth and practice
• Consider and engage in the use of new and divergent instructional tools and pedagogies that build student skills in problem solving and critical thinking  
• Implement structured problem-solving strategies designed to promote both quality lesson design for teachers and 21st century skills for students. 
• Provide feedback on how the tools can be improved to best serve teachers and students

Other information:

Students will be those already enrolled in your face-to-face class and will continue to attend on a daily basis.  This is not a pure on-line experience, but a chance to work tools in preparation for alternative programming options in the future.
  
Target audience:  Grades 5-12

Credits:  3 - through Viterbo University

Cost:       $240 (participants may apply Title IIa allocation).  Audits are okay. 

Dates:     October - May (initial meeting October 2).  Most meetings and support will be done in small groups or on an individual basis.  We will also try to meet during the school day as often as possible in an effort to provide support directly within the context of the daily work of teachers. There will be 2 or 3 large group meetings that will be discussed on October 2. 

Contact Dave Vitale or Bob Logan for more details or contact Lynn Linskens (262-1460) to sign up.

 

Contact Bob Logan for information if you are interested in receiving training to use the CPS.