Distance Learning TrainingOctober 16, 2009

a.k.a. “Melinda and Shelley Take Distance on the Road!”

WelcomeWe are your Technophobic Distance Learning

Trainers (if we can do, you can do it!)

Melinda : Was led onto the DL train in 2007Shelley : Pushed underneath the DL train in 2008

Who are you and where are you at with Distance Learning?

Overview of Distance Learning

• Originally from a RAEC Grant to form partnerships with employers

• Piloted with 3 programs in January 2008• Currently at 12 programs in Montana

Logging On to GED Online

• Go to www.montanaged.com• Click on student login• Instructor’s user is: GEDMT(plus last name and

first two letters of first name---all CAPS)• Instructor’s password is: TEACHER (all CAPS)

Homepage (it may say Missouri but it’s )

• Montana Workroom is for instructors– FAQ has great reference materials

• Under “My Courses” you’ll find your classroom– This is where you will work with your students– Students will also click on this link to get to their

assignments

Pushing the Right Buttons(in your site’s virtual classroom)

• Announcements---shows current and past• Course Info---Blackboard tour starts here• Assignments---4 levels where students can go• Communications---email the group here• External link---GED practice test websites• Tools---user manual for Blackboard here• Discussion board---we don’t use; we have LINCS• Staff info---add all online personnel here• Report Broken links---if links aren’t working

Tool Box below the buttons has the Control Panel (where the action is )

Under Course tools (second box on the left):Announcements

Add announcements easilyPut start and stop dateLet students know your site’s closures, testing

times, etc.

Back to the action under Control Panel

Under User Management (first box on the right)List/Modify Users

Change passwords and see user infoCreate User (not enroll user)

Sign up new students here Make sure you get student’s email addressUser: GED, site initials, last name, first two letters of

first namePassword: GED, site initials, birthdate mmddyy

Remove User from Course (don’t use)Email Carol removals 1st Monday of the month

Action under Control Panel (cont.)

Under Assessment (second box on the right)Gradebook Views

1. Check users to see work completedView grades by user → click on name → user grade list →

shows date/scores of quizzes2. Reset quizzesSame as #1, then click on score → clear attempt → “submit”3. View the quiz itselfSame as #1, then click on “view” on the far right

Skills Tutor (limited seating)

1. Log in to GED Online2. Go to Skills Tutor under Level 1 or 2 Assignments3. Log in for instructors in Skills Tutor is:

User: GED plus your site’s initialsPassword: GED plus your site’s initialsSite: Missouri01 (that’s numbers 0 & 1)

Each program will have an individual class built into Skills Tutor

Adding Students to Skills Tutor

Classes → class properties → students →enrollment → add new students

Use same username and password as you assigned the student for GED Online

You will need to give them the site name:Missouri01 (that’s numbers 0 & 1)

Checking Students’ Work in Skills Tutor

Reports → Student Detail → Select the student(s)and Continue →

Select the subject(s) and Continue→ Select the time frame and Continue

We select specified periods and check daily

Assigning CurriculumUse TABE and interview to determine student assignments

Solicit frequent feedback from students

We use an Excel Curriculum Form to create an individual program of instruction to print or email to the student

Due dates encourage completion of assignments

Add new assignments as others are completed

As time allows, access curriculum to assess content

Best PracticesShow and Tell Time! (We’ll go first!)• What’s worked for you?

Having a group email so everyone knows• What’s bombed for you?

Overwhelming them with all assignments at once

• What would you like to try?Meeting once a week in person

Thank you for riding with us!

• Questions• Comments• Please fill out the evaluation form

(Did we tank?)