District Technology Training Program (DTTP)

Rachel Lee
EDTC 640
Dr. Levene
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The District

Montgomery County Public Schools is located in Montgomery County, Maryland.

Montgomery County covers 497 square miles with a population of 1,000,017. It is the
largest county in the state of Maryland and the 15th largest county in the United States.
There are 204 schools in the county. This number includes 133 Elementary schools, 39
Middle schools, and 25 High schools.
The total enrollment within MCPS includes 156,447 students. This county is
composed of a very diverse group of students. According to MCPS (2016), the county
includes students coming from more than 157 countries speaking 138 languages. The
students within the county are 30.2% White, 29.1% Hispanic/Latino, 21.4% Black/African
American, 14.2% Asian, 5.0% Two or more races, 5.0% American Indian/Alaskan
Native, and 5.0% Native Hawaiian/other Pacific Islander. 34.8% of students receive free
and reduced-price meals, 14.2% of students receive ESOL services, and 11.7% of students
receive special education services.
There is a wide range of technology available within MCPS. A Promethean board is
available in every classroom. Every school has a computer lab with student desktop
computers and all MCPS schools have WiFi connection. Currently in Elementary schools,
students in 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade classrooms have 1:1 Chromebook devices. In the upper
grades, Chromebook devices are available in certain schools for English and Social Studies
classes.

The Problems

Within the county, there are technology problems that are not allowing students to
reap the full benefits of technology integration. These problems are mostly teacher related
because there are many teachers who do not have proper training in technology
integration. Teachers are not using the available technology to its fullest potential because
many are unaware of how to incorporate technology into their daily instruction. This
information was found through conversations that I have had with teachers within the
county as well as through a Google Forms survey that was shared with teachers. The
results of these data points clearly showed that there is a need for additional support
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within using Google Apps for Education. Although Chromebooks were provided for many
grade levels, teachers do not feel that proper training was given on how to instruct
students to use this technology. Teachers also feel that although there is a lot of technology
provided to teachers, the training is not providing teachers with enough information for
how to use it effectively in their classrooms. Thus, the technology is not being exposed to
students in a beneficial format.

The Needs

Based on discussions and communication with other teachers within the district,
there are many technology concerns that teachers are expressing a need in. Teachers were
very expressive in presenting areas of needs and have identified their top ten needs with
technology. All teachers expressed that there is a lack of training for technology. Teachers
are not being given enough training to effectively integrate technology into the classrooms.
Although the district has a lot of technology available within all classrooms, teachers are
not being properly trained on using these tools efficiently. This causes the discrepancy
between available technology and technology usage. While technology is available in the
classrooms, teachers do not feel comfortable integrating it into instruction because they
themselves do not feel proficient enough with the devices or programs.

The Google Form can be found at: https://goo.gl/forms/rOymK7wPNdXP3Or83

Technology Problems:

1. Chromebook training 6. ActiVotes

2. Google Apps training (Google Doc, 7. ActivSlate
Presentation, Drawing, Sheets) 8. Microsoft Word
3. Google Classroom 9. Microsoft Publisher
4. Google Drive 10. Microsoft Excel
5. ActivInspire training

The Audience

The district is composed of 12,304 teachers. However, this training program is

directed towards a specific group of teachers within Elementary Schools. This includes
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elementary teachers who are in grades K-5. The focus of the program will be to provide
elementary teachers with necessary training so that they are able to begin introducing
Chromebook devices to their students. While Chromebooks are available in schools to the
upper grades, schools still have additional devices that are often shared with the primary
grades. These primary grade teachers lack the knowledge of the device and in turn do not
integrate them within their teaching. Thus, the focus will be on providing appropriate
training for all teachers in elementary school. Primary grade teachers will be introduced to
the technology while teachers in the upper grades will receive a refresher and extend their
knowledge of the technology. The prior knowledge of these teachers will range as some
may be novice teachers while others have been teaching for many years. The training
program will provide teachers with support in learning a new technology device as well as
provide instructional strategies for implementation. Teachers will focus on learning how to
use the technology themselves first and also look at strategies for integration. Examples of
integration will be shared with teachers so that they have strategies that can immediately
be implemented within their classrooms. The audience of the training overall will be for
teachers in an Elementary School setting in General Ed and Special Ed classrooms.

The Goals/Objectives

The main focus of the district technology plan will be based around providing
training for Google Chromebooks. However, based on the needs that were identified within
the survey, teachers will also receive training on using ActivInspire within the classroom.
The basics of using a Chromebook will be explained as many teachers are not familiar with
the new format in the Google operating system. On average, classroom computers within
the district use Windows operating system. A basic overview of the differences will be
shared to teach participants about navigating a Chromebook. Participants will also learn
about the programs that are available through Google in regards to Google Classroom and
Google Apps. This training will cover all of these topics. Later, teachers will also discuss
using the ActivInspire program to develop flipcharts for instruction.
Through this plan, participants will be able to:
Navigate a Chromebook device
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Use Google Apps including Google Drive, Docs, Sheets, Slides, Presentation,
Form, and Drawing
Create and share files within Google Drive
Create a class within Google Classroom
Post and share assignments within Google Classroom
Use ActivInspire to create interactive flipcharts for students

Content

Course Title: Description: Target

Audience:

Introduction Within this training, participants will learn the basics about All K-5
to Google operating a Chromebook device. This training will discuss teachers
Chromebooks the differences between typical desktop computers and the
Chromebook operating system.

Participants will learn how to login and navigate through

different programs within the device such as Google Keep.

Google Apps This training will include specific instruction on how to use All K-5
the basic Google Apps for collaboration. teachers

Participants will learn about using Google Docs, Slides,

Sheets, Forms, and Drawing. Participants will learn about
the features that are available within each app and learn
about collaboration features.

Google Drive This training will include specific instruction on how to use All K-5
the Google Drive to organize files. teachers

Participants will learn about using Google Drive to share

and create files. Tips on organization within Google Drive
will be taught and participants will learn about customizing
the sharing features that are available.

Google Within this training, participants will learn about how to All K-5
Classroom use Google Classroom with students. teachers
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Participants will learn how to create a class, post

assignments, add class materials, create announcements,
and generate questions.

ActivInspire This training will focus primarily on using the ActivInspire All K-5
program. Teachers will be trained on how to navigate the teachers
program in order to make flipcharts.

Within this training, participants will practice creating

flipcharts and explore the features that are available.
Participants will also learn how to integrate ActiVotes into
flipcharts.

Instructional Strategies

A variety of strategies will be used during each training session to ensure that all
learning styles are met. Participants will be able to use multiple formats to learn about a
topic. Instructional videos will be used to provide instructional support as participants
begin to learn about a topic. As participants become confused with a topic, a tutorial video
will be available for students to watch in order to learn about the topic. Within these
videos, participants will be able to pause and explore the topics to move at their own pace
of learning. As participants pause the video, they can try the step on their own in order to
make the learning meaningful. This also provides participants with resources that they will
be able to refer back to in the future after the training is over.
Capture sheets will be used to help participants navigate between activities. Using
the capture sheet, participants will be able to start at their area of need. For example, if
participants can answer questions about how to log onto a Chromebook device, they would
be able to skip that topic on the capture sheet and continue working by going to the next
topic. This will also allow participants to record their learning. In my experiences, this has
been very helpful in allowing me keep track of the content that is being discussed within
each training session.
Participants will also use hands-on activities to develop their knowledge and
understanding of each technology. Teachers will experiment with each tool and create
examples so that they will be able to apply their understanding of the tool into their
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classroom after the training is over. Participants will also be completing assignments that
will ask participants to use the features that are available. This will push participants to try
all of the features that are available within each technology/tool. This also allows
participants to practice what they are learning so that they can ask questions while the
training is taking place. This will provide all participants with a learning environment that
focuses on the needs of the actual participants.
Lastly, participants will also be able to work in small differentiated groups. As
participants take surveys before each session to show their level of proficiency, additional
resources will be provided to meet each participant at their level. The three levels of
learning will provide individuals of all levels of proficiency with further learning. While
beginners will learn the basics of a program, more experienced teachers will be able to
extend their learning and further develop their skills with each technology. Additional
features will be shared with individuals who are already proficient or advanced with the
technology. This will ensure that everyone is participating in a meaningful training.
Materials
A sample handout was created for the Intermediate group. This handout is focused
on exploring the features that are available in Google Forms.
The handout can be found at:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1qL17f_0ctijwRNutpX95953O5elY55kD_9g7zRBUiS
A/edit?usp=sharing
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Sample five day workshop

Introduction to Google Chromebooks

Subjects Prerequisite Knowledge
Basics to Google Understanding of basic computer
Chromebooks operating skills
Calendar and Photos Navigating a device with a touchpad
Content
The training will begin with a basic introduction of Chromebook devices.
Throughout this training session, participants will explore the features within
their devices and practice navigating between the programs that are available.
After the basic overview of navigating the device, participants will also explore
programs such as Google Calendar and Photos. The focus of this training is to
ensure that all participants are comfortable with the Google operating system.
Objectives
By the end of the training, participants will be able to:
Login/logoff on a Chromebook device
Navigate between programs on a Chromebook device
Use the Google Operating system
Customize a Chromebook to meet personal needs/preferences
Add bookmarks to Google Chrome
Organize events in Google Calendar
Upload and share pictures using Google Photos
Procedure
All participants will take a proficiency survey to determine the group that they
will be working in. Participants will break out into their small differentiated
groups based on their prior knowledge of the content. Participants will receive an
introduction to Google Chromebooks through online videos. Trainer will provide
support for teachers while they begin exploring the devices. Participants will
follow along with videos explaining the different features available within their
Chromebook device. Tutorials will be used to share information to allow
participants to work at their own pace. Capture sheets will be shared with
participants for them to follow along. Participants will also practice using each of
the programs by completing assigned assignments.
Materials
Chromebook devices (1 per participant)
Promethean Board
Capture Sheet (handout)
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Evaluation
Participants will complete a Google Forms survey to respond to questions each
day after the training:
https://goo.gl/forms/0BWJ0ceMMv8NYQJ82
Trainer will check over the activity that participants completed to evaluate their
understanding of the programs and provide feedback as necessary.

Google Applications
Subjects Prerequisite Knowledge
Training on Google Applications Understanding of basic computer
Docs, Sheets, operating skills
Presentation, Drawing, Navigating a device with a
and Forms touchpad
Content
The training will begin with an introduction of Google Applications. Throughout
this training session, participants will explore the various Google Applications
including Google Doc, Presentation, Spreadsheet, Drawing, and Form.
Participants will explore each application and practice creating an example of
each. The focus of this training will be to become familiar with creating various
files using Google Applications.
Objectives
By the end of the training, participants will be able to:
Create a Google Doc
Create a Google Presentation
Create a Google Spreadsheet
Create a Google Drawing
Create a Google Form
Procedure
All participants will take the proficiency survey to determine the group that they
will be working in. Participants will break out into their small differentiated
groups based on their prior knowledge of the content. Participants will watch
tutorials on each of the applications. Using a capture sheet, participants will
record tools that are available within each application. Participants will also
complete various practice activities as they explore each program and create
sample files for each. Trainer will be available to provide further assistance.
Materials
Chromebook devices (1 per participant)
Promethean Board
Capture Sheet (handout)
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Evaluation
Participants will complete a Google Forms survey to respond to questions each
day after the training:
https://goo.gl/forms/0BWJ0ceMMv8NYQJ82
Trainer will check over the activity that participants completed to evaluate their
understanding of the programs and provide feedback as necessary.

Google Drive
Subjects Prerequisite Knowledge
Introduction to Google Understanding of basic computer operating
Drive skills
Sharing Navigating a device with a touchpad
Content
The training will begin with an introduction of Google Drive. Throughout this
training session, participants will explore the various features that are available
through organizing files within Google Drive. Participants will create and
organize their Google Drive account with folders. Participants will also learn
about the features that are available through sharing files. The focus of this
training will be to become familiar with using Google Drive to organize files and
understanding the features of sharing files.
Objectives
By the end of the training, participants will be able to:
Organize files within Folders
Share folders with Peers
Collaborate on a Google File
Customize Sharing features
Procedure
All participants will take the proficiency survey to determine the group that they
will be working in. Participants will break out into their small differentiated
groups based on their prior knowledge of the content. Participants will use
Google Drive to organize the files that they have within their Google Drive
account. Participants will learn the features that are available within Google
Drive by customizing their personal Google Drive to fit their needs. Trainer will
show the features that are available when sharing files with peers. Participants
will use a capture sheet to guide their learning and complete activities to show
their proficiency with using Google Drive.
Materials
Chromebook devices (1 per participant)
Promethean Board
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Capture Sheet (handout)

Evaluation
Participants will complete a Google Forms survey to respond to questions each
day after the training:
https://goo.gl/forms/0BWJ0ceMMv8NYQJ82
Trainer will check over the activity that participants completed to evaluate their
understanding of the programs and provide feedback as necessary.

Google Classroom
Subjects Prerequisite Knowledge
Introduction to Understanding of basic computer operating skills
Google Classroom Navigating a device with a touchpad
Google Drive
Content
The training will begin with an introduction of Google Classroom. Throughout
this training session, participants will explore the various features that are
available within Google Classroom such as posting assignments, sharing files,
creating announcements and grading assignments. The focus of this training will
be to become familiar with Google Classroom by learning about the features that
are available with students.
Objectives
By the end of the training, participants will be able to:
Navigate to Google Classroom
Create a class
Post assignments and resources
Grade complete assignments
Post announcements
Procedure
All participants will take the proficiency survey to determine the group that they
will be working in. Participants will break out into their small differentiated
groups based on their prior knowledge of the content. Within this training,
participants will create a Class within Google Classroom and learn about the
features for posting assignments and questions. Participants will follow along a
capture sheet and explore the features that are available. Using the capture sheet,
participants will also complete a list of assigned activities to receive exposure to
different aspects of the program.
Materials
Chromebook devices (1 per participant)
Promethean Board
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HDMI cord to project Chromebook image onto Promethean Board

Capture Sheet (handout)
Evaluation
Participants will complete a Google Forms survey to respond to questions each
day after the training:
https://goo.gl/forms/0BWJ0ceMMv8NYQJ82
Trainer will check over the activity that participants completed to evaluate their
understanding of the programs and provide feedback as necessary.

ActivInspire
Subjects Prerequisite Knowledge
Introduction to Understanding of basic computer operating skills
ActivInspire Navigating a device with a touchpad
ActiVotes Typing
Content
The training will explore the features that are available through ActivInspire.
Throughout this training session, participants will practice creating interactive
flipcharts. Participants will also learn about using ActiVotes in the classroom to
gather and analyze student data.
Objectives
By the end of the training, participants will be able to:
Create a flipchart within ActivInspire
Use tools within ActivInspire to meet their needs
Incorporate ActiVotes into flipcharts
Analyze data collected by ActiVotes
Procedure
All participants will take the proficiency survey to determine the group that they
will be working in. Participants will break out into their small differentiated
groups based on their prior knowledge of the content. During this training,
participants will also use Promethean Planet to look at existing resources.
Participants will be able to create their own flipcharts and also incorporate
ActiVotes into their lessons. Tutorials will be provided to show how to create a
poll and analyze the results. Tips and strategies will also be shared. A capture
sheet will be used to provide additional activities for students to complete. These
activities will allow participants to practice using a wide range of features within
their flipcharts.
Materials
Desktop Computers (1 per participant)
Promethean Board
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ActiVotes
Capture Sheet (handout)
Evaluation
Participants will complete a Google Forms survey to respond to questions each
day after the training:
https://goo.gl/forms/0BWJ0ceMMv8NYQJ82
Trainer will check over the activity that participants completed to evaluate their
understanding of the programs and provide feedback as necessary.

Field Test

Before delivering the training workshops, a field test will be completed in order to
ensure that all of the elements within the training are working properly and that the format
of the sessions are beneficial to learners. This will be done at an elementary school within
the district. One school will be selected and will participate in a trial session. A group of 30
teachers will be used for the field test. The school that will be selected will provide a group
of teachers with mixed proficiency levels with technology. By having a mixed group of
teachers, this will allow the field test to focus on all aspects of the sessions. These
participants will be asked to fully participate in the sessions and reflect upon the training
session by giving feedback on what they liked and what should be changed. This field test
will also help minimize technical difficulties and ensure that the presentation is providing
appropriate content that meets the needs of the participants. The participants will also
provide feedback about whether or not the content was meaningful and relatable to their
grade level or content area.

Revision

Using the feedback that will be provided during the field test, revisions will be made
to ensure that the content is appropriate and that the information is presented in a well-
organized format. Participants within the field test will share possible upgrades to help
improve the training content and structure. Participants will be asked several questions
about the trainings overall.
These questions include:
What did you like/didnt like about the training structure?
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What did you like/didnt like about the content of the trainings?
What activities did you find most beneficial/least beneficial?
Through these reflection questions, adjustments can be made to ensure that the structure
and content are meeting the technology needs that are expressed. These revisions will be
made before teaching the official training sessions.

Evaluations

After each training session, participants will be taking a Google Form survey to
evaluate the instruction that has taken place. These results will show how participants feel
about the content that was being discussed. It will also examine how participants feel about
the content that they learned about. As participants respond to each question, they will be
able to show their level of proficiency after the training. They will also be able to share the
major takeaways that they received through the training. Participants will also share what
they will be using within their classroom immediately. These responses will be collected
through the Google Forms
Another strategy that will be used to evaluate the training will include having an
Issue Bin posted within the room during the training. This has been a strategy that has
been used within many professional development sessions. A poster paper titled Issue
Bin is posted in the room and participants are able to use sticky notes to post questions or
concerns during the training. This helps participants and trainers to reflect on the learning.
Lastly, during the training sessions, the trainers will be monitoring participants
during each session. Trainers will be walking around to monitor participants to answer
questions and provide additional support. As participants access shared documents and
files, trainers will also be able to monitor participant activity by looking at these files
simultaneously. Trainers will also be able to participate in self-reflection as they think
about how the participants reacted and responded to the content that was presented
within each training session. These forms of evaluation will allow the trainers to make
changes based on the reactions of the participants.
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Summative Evaluation

A summative evaluation will be completed through a shared folder on Google Drive.

Each participant will create a folder that contains all of the activities that they have
completed throughout the training sessions. This will provide participants with a unified
place for them to save their files. Participants will be asked to create a sample activity for
each of the technology tools that they learned about. For example, participants will create a
Google Doc, Sheet, Forms, Presentation, Drawing, and a sample flipchart. At the end of each
training session, participants will upload their created file. The files altogether will be used
to measure understanding of the topic and whether or not each individual has fully grasped
the technology. The summative evaluation will also allow for the trainer to view each of the
activities together as a whole to identify the level of understanding that each participant
has. This evaluation will also identify whether or not the teachers are understanding the
implementation piece of each technology. A collective folder with examples of each type of
technology will provide a well-rounded view as it shows the proficiency level for all of the
topics that were discussed during the training sessions.

Follow-up
In order to follow-up on participants after the training sessions are over, multiple
forms of communication will be used. One form of communication that will be used
throughout the training session will be a twitter page will be created to post
announcements. On this twitter page, the trainer will post questions to think about.
Participants will be able to respond using an agreed upon hashtag. This can be referenced
after the training is over. Participants will also be able to stay in contact with the training
and fellow participants by posting to the hashtag.
A few weeks after the training sessions, the trainer will also send out a Google forms
survey to ask for additional feedback from participants to see what strategies they have
taken away from the training. Participants will reflect on the strategies or tools that they
have begun using within their classroom. They will also provide feedback on what they feel
that they need additional support with.
The feedback form can be found at: https://goo.gl/forms/ko5jCIPxTRfuFqOf1
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Budget

Description Price

Instructor Fee: $1,000

$40 a hour x 1 trainer x 25 hours
5 sessions for 5 hours each

Venue Cost: $0
Trainings will be held at Mill Creek Towne ES in the Media Center
There will not be any scheduling conflicts after school

Materials: $0
Chromebook Cart
Carts are already available at school- multiple carts can be
borrowed. Each cart has 29 chromebook devices (8 carts are
available at the school)
Desktop Computers
Computers are available at school
Promethean Board Projector
Already available at the school for use
ActiVotes
Capture Sheets
Copies can be made for free at school

Teacher Stipend $10,000

One-time stipend for all 5 training sessions
Estimated 50 participants $200 per person

Total: $11,000

References

MCPS. (2016, July 12). Montgomery County Public Schools At a Glance. Retrieved from
http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/uploadedFiles/about/Refresh_2011_Content_Piec
es/At%20a%20Glance%20%2007.12.16.pdf