InfoSource http://www.howtomaster.com/

Description: 

VT-cite Quality Resource Criteria

Descriptors
award-winning online professional development program for K–12 teachers
Note from John: I am not recommending but rather referring this resource for group consideration… but it looks potentially great…. Professionally delivered PD for profit??? I have looked it over and believe it is worth exploring more and would like to know what others think. With the commissioner of Education talking about consolidating school districts with an eye to cost effectiveness… Is this a direction we might want to consider going in as a statewide organization???? Could it be more cost effective delivery of Tech Integration PD compared to present paradigm of each of us trying to deliver effective PD in our own separate corners?????????

Title/name of Resource:

 http://www.howtomaster.com/

About InfoSource, Inc.  
InfoSource, Inc., in business since 1983, is a developer and provider of high-quality Web-based training (WBT), computer-
based training (CBT), and instructor-led training (ILT) courseware for the K-12 Education, Corporate, and Government
markets. InfoSource’s How To Master family of products covers PC applications, professional development skills, IT
certification preparation and technology integration training. In addition to its Web-delivered learning services, electronic
training materials, and printed books, InfoSource also develops, maintains, and markets a unique Content Authoring Tool
(CAT) and a robust Learning Management System (LMS


Topic:
  Good online PD and Integration resource portal

Source/author:
 I found this link at  http://www.bigdealbook.com/cdwgk12/ This print and online resource for educators is chock full of current useful web sites….ranging from contests for students and teachers, to funding sources, to online professional development resources. The infosource site at http://www.howtomaster.com/  seems particularly good  source for online on demand training as well as larger issues/keywords and tags related to  standards, PD, Integration strategies…collaboration, mentoring, courses, tutorials and more

Intended Purpose
New for 2006, InfoSource is making an award-winning online professional development program for K–12 teachers available nationwide. Developed by researchers at the Harvard Graduate School of Education and Project Zero, the WIDE World (Wide-scale Interactive Development for Educators), Technology Integration Program involves trained online coaches for teachers plus measures to strengthen a district’s internal capacities for mentoring and instructional leadership. Teachers engage in reflectively analyzing their classroom practices, collaborate online with peers and more. Contact the firm for details. In addition, InfoSource offers K–12 teachers its own Integrating Technology in the Classroom online courseware library, recently expanded to 10 courses totaling 87 lessons, and more than 16 hours of training. InfoSource uses a three-step system (Learn It!, Build It!, and Share It!) to deliver the skills-based training. Contact: InfoSource, Inc., (800) 393-4636.

Locations & Dates:
Online, anytime
Web: http://www.howtomaster.com


Intended Audience:
(grade level/curricular area, etc.)
Suits: K–12 teachers, technology coordinators and related staff


Resource Requirements:
(include, file type, platform, cost, user level, etc.)
Costs: Vary, much available free via browser

Abstract:

From infosource's promotional info:

How Can Technology Be Incorporated into the Learning Environment?InfoSource believes that there are three distinct steps to successfully integrate technology in the classroom:Step 1Learn It! - Teachers must learn how to use and become comfortable with computers, software applications, and related technologies, which help them to do their jobs more efficiently, such as preparing grade books, planning lessons, doing research on the Web, creating presentations, updating student rosters, and other behind-the-scenes activities. To learn more click here.

Step 2
Build It! - Once teachers are trained, technology can be used to make teaching more effective. With the correct tools, teachers can create reusable lesson plans, interactive presentations, handouts, tests, and notices; keep track of student information, scores, homework, or class participation; and train the students on how to use technology as well. To learn more click here.

Step 3
Share It! - Then technology can be integrated in the classroom to help students, teachers, and parents collaborate, simplify processes, and gain access to information that previously was unattainable, mirroring the way technology is used in society today. To learn more click here.

Why is it Beneficial to Integrate Technology in the Classroom?
Computers and related technologies can have a deep impact on how students learn, thus affecting how teachers instruct. Not all students are created the same. Some are visual learners, some are auditory, and still others absorb the most from hands-on activities. Some enjoy working alone, while others prefer group work. Using a variety of tools, such as those that technology provides, helps reach, engage, and motivate students with diverse styles of learning.

Technology can also improve a school or an entire school district's ability to manage, track, report, and analyze daily operations, budgets, and student information - saving time and money!

To successfully incorporate computers and the Internet into the learning environment, InfoSource encourages school districts to incorporate the Learn It! Build It! Share It! three-step product solutions suite into their technology plans and long-term goals.

Click on the links below to learn more about InfoSource Education Solutions, or contact an account manager to receive a full demonstration of any of our products.

Justification:  This is some of their sales pitch
Faculty and Staff Solutions

Implement the National Education Technology PlanImplement the National Education Technology Plan - Our Integrating Technology in the Classroom Learn It! Build It! Share It! solution helps districts and schools implement all seven action steps suggested in this plan released by the Department of Education on January 7, 2005.

Achieve NCLB GoalsAchieve NCLB Goals - Many of the schools using our products have been funded through Title IID and other sections of the No Child Left Behind Act. InfoSource helps prepare teachers to use technology in the classroom and provides the tools and training needed to increase the technology proficiency of students.

Protect Valuable TimeProtect Valuable Time - InfoSource online training is delivered in short 10-15 minute lessons so faculty members can best utilize their time and train when it is convenient for them. Bookmarking allows users to pick up right where they left off when they return to the training.

Description:

VT-cite Quality Resource Criteria

Descriptors
award-winning online professional development program for K–12 teachers
Note from John: I am not recommending but rather referring this resource for group consideration… but it looks potentially great…. Professionally delivered PD for profit??? I have looked it over and believe it is worth exploring more and would like to know what others think. With the commissioner of Education talking about consolidating school districts with an eye to cost effectiveness… Is this a direction we might want to consider going in as a statewide organization???? Could it be more cost effective delivery of Tech Integration PD compared to present paradigm of each of us trying to deliver effective PD in our own separate corners?????????

Title/name of Resource:

 http://www.howtomaster.com/

About InfoSource, Inc.  
InfoSource, Inc., in business since 1983, is a developer and provider of high-quality Web-based training (WBT), computer-
based training (CBT), and instructor-led training (ILT) courseware for the K-12 Education, Corporate, and Government
markets. InfoSource’s How To Master family of products covers PC applications, professional development skills, IT
certification preparation and technology integration training. In addition to its Web-delivered learning services, electronic
training materials, and printed books, InfoSource also develops, maintains, and markets a unique Content Authoring Tool
(CAT) and a robust Learning Management System (LMS


Topic:
  Good online PD and Integration resource portal

Source/author:
 I found this link at  http://www.bigdealbook.com/cdwgk12/ This print and online resource for educators is chock full of current useful web sites….ranging from contests for students and teachers, to funding sources, to online professional development resources. The infosource site at http://www.howtomaster.com/  seems particularly good  source for online on demand training as well as larger issues/keywords and tags related to  standards, PD, Integration strategies…collaboration, mentoring, courses, tutorials and more

Intended Purpose
New for 2006, InfoSource is making an award-winning online professional development program for K–12 teachers available nationwide. Developed by researchers at the Harvard Graduate School of Education and Project Zero, the WIDE World (Wide-scale Interactive Development for Educators), Technology Integration Program involves trained online coaches for teachers plus measures to strengthen a district’s internal capacities for mentoring and instructional leadership. Teachers engage in reflectively analyzing their classroom practices, collaborate online with peers and more. Contact the firm for details. In addition, InfoSource offers K–12 teachers its own Integrating Technology in the Classroom online courseware library, recently expanded to 10 courses totaling 87 lessons, and more than 16 hours of training. InfoSource uses a three-step system (Learn It!, Build It!, and Share It!) to deliver the skills-based training. Contact: InfoSource, Inc., (800) 393-4636.

Locations & Dates:
Online, anytime
Web: http://www.howtomaster.com


Intended Audience:
(grade level/curricular area, etc.)
Suits: K–12 teachers, technology coordinators and related staff


Resource Requirements:
(include, file type, platform, cost, user level, etc.)
Costs: Vary, much available free via browser

Abstract:

From infosource's promotional info:

How Can Technology Be Incorporated into the Learning Environment?InfoSource believes that there are three distinct steps to successfully integrate technology in the classroom:Step 1Learn It! - Teachers must learn how to use and become comfortable with computers, software applications, and related technologies, which help them to do their jobs more efficiently, such as preparing grade books, planning lessons, doing research on the Web, creating presentations, updating student rosters, and other behind-the-scenes activities. To learn more click here.

Step 2
Build It! - Once teachers are trained, technology can be used to make teaching more effective. With the correct tools, teachers can create reusable lesson plans, interactive presentations, handouts, tests, and notices; keep track of student information, scores, homework, or class participation; and train the students on how to use technology as well. To learn more click here.

Step 3
Share It! - Then technology can be integrated in the classroom to help students, teachers, and parents collaborate, simplify processes, and gain access to information that previously was unattainable, mirroring the way technology is used in society today. To learn more click here.

Why is it Beneficial to Integrate Technology in the Classroom?
Computers and related technologies can have a deep impact on how students learn, thus affecting how teachers instruct. Not all students are created the same. Some are visual learners, some are auditory, and still others absorb the most from hands-on activities. Some enjoy working alone, while others prefer group work. Using a variety of tools, such as those that technology provides, helps reach, engage, and motivate students with diverse styles of learning.

Technology can also improve a school or an entire school district's ability to manage, track, report, and analyze daily operations, budgets, and student information - saving time and money!

To successfully incorporate computers and the Internet into the learning environment, InfoSource encourages school districts to incorporate the Learn It! Build It! Share It! three-step product solutions suite into their technology plans and long-term goals.

Click on the links below to learn more about InfoSource Education Solutions, or contact an account manager to receive a full demonstration of any of our products.

Justification:  This is some of their sales pitch
Faculty and Staff Solutions

Implement the National Education Technology PlanImplement the National Education Technology Plan - Our Integrating Technology in the Classroom Learn It! Build It! Share It! solution helps districts and schools implement all seven action steps suggested in this plan released by the Department of Education on January 7, 2005.

Achieve NCLB GoalsAchieve NCLB Goals - Many of the schools using our products have been funded through Title IID and other sections of the No Child Left Behind Act. InfoSource helps prepare teachers to use technology in the classroom and provides the tools and training needed to increase the technology proficiency of students.

Protect Valuable TimeProtect Valuable Time - InfoSource online training is delivered in short 10-15 minute lessons so faculty members can best utilize their time and train when it is convenient for them. Bookmarking allows users to pick up right where they left off when they return to the training.

Justification:
Justification:  This is some of their sales pitch
Faculty and Staff Solutions

Implement the National Education Technology PlanImplement the National Education Technology Plan - Our Integrating Technology in the Classroom Learn It! Build It! Share It! solution helps districts and schools implement all seven action steps suggested in this plan released by the Department of Education on January 7, 2005.

Achieve NCLB GoalsAchieve NCLB Goals - Many of the schools using our products have been funded through Title IID and other sections of the No Child Left Behind Act. InfoSource helps prepare teachers to use technology in the classroom and provides the tools and training needed to increase the technology proficiency of students.

Protect Valuable TimeProtect Valuable Time - InfoSource online training is delivered in short 10-15 minute lessons so faculty members can best utilize their time and train when it is convenient for them. Bookmarking allows users to pick up right where they left off when they return to the training.