FAQ+page


 * The Power of Web 2.0 Tools: A 21st Century Learning Experience**

Frequently Asked Questions
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***How is this course different from the K12 Learning 2.0 course designed by Shelley Paul?**
This course is a 1 PLU version of the K12 Learning course. It is meant not to replace that course but as a 1 PLU option for those who might not feel they have the time to dedicate to a 3 PLU course. The "thinks" as they are called in this course are chunked into modules. There are four required modules. After completing the required modules, participants choose two other modules to complete for their PLU credit. Of course, all modules are visible so participants can explore further in any of the modules.

* How does the course work?
This self-guided course is delivered entirely online, via this website. There are over 20 learning activities or "Thinks" divided among 10 modules for you to complete over ten weeks. Each module is organized around a particular topic or theme relating to Web 2.0. You will decide when and where to complete each module's activities, and you will be responsible for "keeping up." You are encouraged to form "buddy groups" to work through the content together -- sharing, helping and encouraging each other.

*** What are these "Thinks" you keep talking about?**
The Thinks are **doable learning activities** related to Web 2.0 tools and concepts. You will complete one module per week for the first 4 weeks. Detailed instructions for completing each "Think" will be provided as you work through the course, linked from the Think page. Each "Think" will introduce (or expand upon) a new tool or concept through one or more **discovery exercises**, followed by a **learning** **task**. The discovery exercises are "where the learning really happens" and are necessary for you to complete each task successfully.

***How long will it take me to do the work each week?**
Some tasks and modules will be more involved than others. There are a number of additional variables that will affect this, but the general answer is __an average of 1-3 hours a week__, depending on:
 * Your general level of computer literacy
 * Your experience with Web 2.0 tools to date
 * Your interest in and excitement about the tasks and tools
 * Your basic "lifelong learning" stance

What is the official end date of this course?
The official end date of the summer course is **Friday, August 8th**. However, you will have until **August 15th** to complete all of the modules and requested documentation.

* Who can take this course?
This course is offered at no charge to faculty and staff members at Greater Atlanta Christian School and other Atlanta Area Independent Schools. Potential participants from outside of Greater Atlanta Christian School should visit the Partner Schools page to learn more.

* What are the dates for this course?
The summer session starts June 1st and runs through August 7th.

* How do I register for the course?
 To register for the **June 1st course,** please complete "Think 0" -- in which you find out about the course and sign up for Google/Gmail. **After** you get your Gmail address, please complete this [|form] to register **BY May 22nd**. **ON June 1st**, I will reply with an invitation (via Gmail) to join a Google spreadsheet which you use throughout the course to track your progress. **You MUST remember to check your new Gmail account on June 1st. ** I will not email you through your school email accounts! Outside participants should visit the Partner Schools page for more info.

* How do I get PLU credit?
This course is state-approved approved for 1 **PLU** by the GaDOE, which means it also offers SACS credit. When you have completed the course, your **PW2T Coach** will **evaluate your blog** to determine whether you have met the necessary objectives. The coach will fill out a Mastery Verification rubric, which you will also sign. I will collect the completed rubrics, ask you for some info, then issue official course certificates. Potential participants from outside of GACS should visit the Partner Schools page to learn more.

[|Mastery+Verification+Rubric[1.pdf]]
 * IMPORTANT - Academic Honesty**: Because the course is self-guided, participants seeking PLU credit must sign a statement attesting that all exercises and tasks were completed on their own. The intent is not to question anyone's integrity, but to hold ourselves to the same high standards we expect from our students. (This does not mean you cannot seek assistance from peers and coaches if you get stuck, just that someone else cannot do the work for you!)

* What technology do I need?
You need an Internet-connected computer with an updated browser, a microphone and speakers (or headset).

* Where do I go for help?
By design, **you should be your own first help resource throughout the course**. Throughout this “discovery learning” experience, you will likely encounter a number of small challenges, depending on your level of Web 2.0 experience to date. Each time you teach yourself something, find a solution or accomplish a task, you will feel empowered and be that much more tech savvy! > (Time and location TBA -- **ask your coach**).
 * Most sites offer highly understandable Help files, FAQ pages and tutorials. Additionally, you will find many short training movies and help pages with screenshots embedded at the point of need as you complete the course.
 * Use your "human network:" Colleagues, students, and your PW2T Coach. In "real life" we seek help from experts when we need it! But remember, if your expert helper does the work for you, you won't be learning.
 * Many coaches will proctor occasional tutorial sessions for participants needing help with a particular tool or task.
 * Email Julia Osteen - julia.osteen@gmail.com

* What if I fall behind?
Because some "Things" may be more challenging than others, and because we all have responsibilities and priorities and unexpected derailment, the course is designed to allow for **flexibility** in completion. Each week's "due date" is not a drop-dead date, and you will have a full week after the official "end" date to complete any outstanding tasks. That being said, please do not interpret this flexibility as an invitation to procrastinate -- you should not be chronically behind. If you are having technology-related issues, please connect with your **PW2T Coach** or attend a tutorial (when provided). If you are having life-related issues, please connect with your **PW2T Coach** so you can work out a plan.

* How will I/you track my progress?
You will record your progress by posting to **your own blog** and elsewhere as directed.
 * Your blog will also serve as your portfolio, a living artifact demonstrating your completion of the course.
 * Your **PW2T Coach** will subscribe to your blog via his or her RSS reader and track your progress along the way.
 * You should title your blog posts with the "Think" number (as well as a subject) to help you keep track of your progress. This will also be helpful when you want to refer back or add something new on a specific topic or tool.

*How long do my blog posts need to be?
I am hoping this question doesn't actually need to be addressed, but, just in case...
 * Your blog posts should be //as long as they need to be// for you to **meaningfully express your thoughts and reflect on your learning**. You will get out of the course what you put in. Others will read and learn from what you post. What would you want your own students to do?
 * If none of those guidelines are working for you... aim for at least 125 words.

* How can I protect my online identity as I work through the course?
Transparency of practice and sharing your experience is one of the tenets of 21st century teaching and learning on the web, but there are a couple of ways you can keep your "digital footprint" to a minimum, if you have concerns.


 * As part of your course prep (Think "0"), you will set up a Google/Gmail account.You can specify an address/username for your account that does not display your actual name. You will use this account to register for all of the tools you will be exploring during the course.
 * You can set up your blog (Blogging Module) so that your blog address and username do not include your actual name. Only your PW2T coach and other participants will be aware of who you "really" are.

* Do I have to use Edublogs and other specified tools or can I substitute the ones I like better?
The short answer is: Yes, with the possible exception of your RSS reader.
 * The tools presented here are absolutely not the only ones available in each "genre" of Web 2.0 tools, but they are among the most useful, time-tested, feature-rich and easy to use. It would be impossible and impractical to try and review all, or even many, of the variations and alternatives, so I have elected to focus on a handful of representative tools. As you work through the content, I encourage you to blog and share with colleagues about other Web 2.0 tools you are already using! //And in your own practice, you should absolutely choose the (allowed) tools that work best for you.//


 * **RSS reader exception:** If you are __already using__ an RSS aggregator other than Google Reader, you may absolutely continue to use it rather than migrating to Google Reader! Your aggregator is the core of your professional learning