FAQ

* How does the course work?
This self-guided course is delivered entirely online, via this website. There are a total of 12 learning activities for you to complete over ten weeks. Each week is organized around a particular topic or theme relating to Web 2.0. You will decide when and where to complete each week's activities (anywhere you have Internet, any day of the week and any time of the day), 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 "Tasks" you keep talking about?**
The tasks are **doable learning activities** related to Web 2.0 tools and concepts. You will complete 1-2 tasks per week. Detailed instructions for completing each task will be provided as you work through the course, linked from the Syllabus page. Each week 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?**
The tasks themselves are varied in intensity -- some tasks and weeks will be more involved than others. The content is organized into themes/tools. There are a number of additional variables that will affect this, but the general answer is __an average of 2 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

* Who can take this course?
This course is offered at no charge to faculty and staff members at Paideia School. Other individuals can contact Kathy Bailey for permission.

* What are the dates for this course?
There will be a course offered during the summer of 2010. Participants will have June 14-August 13th to complete all tasks. The next session will be offered in 2011.

* How do I register for the course?
To register for the Summer 2010 course, please see the Registration page-- in which you find out about the course and sign up for a Google Account.

* How do I get PLU credit?
This course is approved for **2 PLUs**. When you have completed the course, the technology department will review your blog to determine whether you have met the necessary objectives. We will then complete the paperwork for you to receive credit.

* What technology do I need?
You need an Internet-connected computer. Any other equipment that you may need, including a headset, is available through the technology department.

* 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!
 * Most sites offer highly understandable Help files, FAQ pages and tutorials.
 * Use your "human network:" colleagues, Pi 2.0 coaches, and students. 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.
 * The Paideia Technology Department is available M-F 8-4.
 * Learn more about Web 2.0 tools at [|WikiPi]

* What if I fall behind?
Because some weeks may be more challenging than others, and because we all have responsibilities and priorities and unexpected derailment, the course is designed to allow for a bit of 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 someone in the technology department or attend a tutorial (when provided). If you are having life-related issues, contact your Pi 2.0 coaches.

* How will I/you track my progress?
You need to check off each task as you finish them on the Google Spreadsheet. 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.
 * You should title your blog posts with the task 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?
This is not something to stress about...
 * A few sentences is fine, a paragraph is fine, a page is fine...
 * Make sure you at least cover the questions asked, then expand on it as much as you like.

* 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, you will set up a Google account. You can create a Gmail account with an address/username that does not display your actual name. You can use this account to register for all of the tools you will be exploring during the course.
 * You can set up your blog so that your blog address and username do not include your actual name. Only your Pi 2.0 coaches and other participants will be aware of who you "really" are. (Instructions will be provided).