Digital ResourceInitiative

55 Miller Street

Enola, PA 17025-1640

Tel 717.732.8400

Fax 717.732.8414

info@caiu.org

www.caiu.org

Mark HennesSpecial Projects Supervisor

Jill MachemerSupervisor of Instructional Technology

Agenda

• Project Update• Workshops and Work Sessions• Questions

http://digitalcontent.wiki.caiu.org

Mission Statement

The member districts and the CAIU will increase and extend learner options by leveraging our wide area network and collaborating to develop and implement digital content, thereby effectively utilizing the latest technologies and research-based instructional strategies to create a 21st century learning environment.

Project Goals

Create a two-year, pilot project that will: Increase student engagement and achievement Aggregate and share resources and expertise Achieve cost savings for districts thru conversion to digital

resources in lieu of paper textbooks Create a 21st century learning environment --- improve

individual access; improve online learning skills; improve Web 2.0 teaching skills

Create conditions for future digital initiatives

HS Geometry, Biology, and Physics

Participating Districts

Big Spring SD

Camp Hill SD

Central Dauphin

Derry Township

Lower Dauphin

Newport SD

Northern York SD

Steelton-Highspire SD

PD Workshops

7 April Introduction and Orientation

14 April Digital Resources I (Videos)

28 April Digital Resources II (Simulations, VirtualLabs, and Exercises)

5 May Digital Resources III (Collaboration)

12 May Digital Resources IV (Different Learnersand Learning Styles)

19 May Assessment Design I (Formative)

26 May Assessment Design II (Authentic)

2 June Wrap-up & Next Steps

PD Workshops

Teachers and Coaches • Must attend all 8 sessions• Bring own laptop• Be present, participate, and yes, there’s

homework

Summer Work Sessions

21 and 22 June

19 and 20 July

18 August

Goal: collaboratively assemble and organize resources and prepare teachers for successful implementation

Project Evaluation

Focused on improvement in student engagement, improvement in student achievement, and possible cost savings

Qualitative: Surveys, Focus Group Interviews, Pre- and Post- knowledge, satisfaction, use

Quantitative: Student Performance, Cost Analysis

First and Second Semester AY 11-12

District Responsibilities1. Select courses, select teachers, estimate # of

students and periods [see District Data Sheet]

2. Release teachers for PD workshops (Every Thursday, 7 April to 2 Jun)[Districts reimbursed for cost of substitutes]

3. Teachers must attend summer COP resource development sessions [Teachers receive stipend]

Note: this must be the same person

District Responsibilities (cont.)

4. Determine student and teacher user hardware and internet access solution. Consider:• Family provided• District provided• Combination• Extended Learning Center/Tech Lab/Library hours• Cooperative agreement with local libraries

5. Ensure high speed wireless access in designated classrooms

District Responsibilities (cont.)

6. Participate fully in the pilot, including using the resources in classes and participating in collaboration and sharing

7. Participate in the evaluation, including

a. Providing access to students and teachers (surveys, interviews, etc.)

b. Providing student data for evaluation purposes

8. Fill out District Data Sheet and return by March 18th to Mark or Karen

What the Grant CoversEfund grant covers

• PD Workshops for 2 teachers and 1 Coach per high school (meals, subst reimbursement, & instruction)

• Summer sessions for 2 teachers per high school (meals and stipend)

• Moodle 2.0 hosting/conversion, and other licenses

• Ongoing support (PLC’s, help desk, coaching)• Other administrative costs

What the Grant Doesn’t CoverEfund grant does not cover

• Travel• Hardware (e.g. student laptops, teacher laptops,

classroom or network equipment)

See Apple bundle options & pricing on wiki

Possible Timeline for Digital Textbooks

PilotProject

Core Math &Science

Core Language Arts

& Soc Sci

Languages

Electives

AY 11/12 AY 12/13 AY 13/14 AY 14/15 AY 15/16

Contact Info

Mark Hennes – (717) 732-8427

mhennes@caiu.org

Jill Machemer – (717) 732-8406

jmachemer@caiu.org

Karen Ditzler – (717) 732-8400, ext 8300

kditzler@caiu.org

What we’re building

• Digital textbooks with integrated online resources

Videos Virtual Labs

Podcasts Collaboration

Simulations• Hosted in a Moodle 2.0 platform• Student-centered learning• Engaging, 21st century learning environment

enabling authentic assessments• Initial focus on high school courses

Project TimelineAY 10-11• Secure E-Fund (PA Act 183) grant to fund project startup• Acquire digital resource provider(s) through competitive process• Provide professional development and oversee development and

sharing of resources AY 11-12• Pilot high school courses using digital resources• Facilitate professional learning communities to share resources,

methods, and strategies• Evaluate pilot objectives• Develop expansion and replication plans

Digital Resource Provider

CK-12 Foundation www.ck12.org :

Selected as best alternative in terms of Quality, Flexibility, and Cost

Non-profit foundation “with a mission to reduce the cost of textbook materials for the K-12 market”

Numerous textbooks accepted by CA Learning Resources Network and in use in CA school districts

Teacher Selection Considerations

• Budget supports 2 teachers per district (additional slots may also be available if Efund districts drop out)

• Efund districts may pay for 2 additional teachers• Selected teachers need not be digital experts, but should

be content experts • Selected teachers should be familiar with using online

resources and have basic computer skills• Selected teachers must be open to the challenges and

opportunities inherent in this initiative

Course Selection Considerations• Although we reviewed 7 courses, the grant amount,

project evaluation, and consortium resource development process supports reduction in course choices to 2 courses

• High school focus, course sequencing, and Keystone Exam Phase-in suggest using Biology and Geometry for this initiative

• Districts may select additional courses, but must provide at least 1 teacher and classroom for Biology and Geometry. Also, support for additional courses will be limited

Related InitiativesUnderway

Virtual Desktop

Moodle 2.0 Upgrade and PD/training

Cloud Computing and Hosting

Under Consideration

Moodle to Powerschool Integration

Consortium Purchasing/Leasing of User Hardware

Wireless Internet Access Grants

Blended Learning