FOR-PD Chat Transcript
Date: September 6, 2007
Time: 7:00-8:00PM EST
Topic: End-of-course Wrap-up Chat for the FOR-PD Course
Melanie >> Hello everyone. Welcome to our chat!
Melanie >> Tonight’s chat will be an hour long.
Melanie >> Information and reminders about what participants need to do in order to prepare for the end of the course will be discussed.
Melanie >> We will also discuss technical questions and concerns for the summer course, as well as any content/assignment questions participants may have.
Melanie >> I would like to introduce the FOR-PD staff present tonight.
ALISON >> I got lost...did I miss anything?
Melanie >> Lourdes Smith is our Reading Specialist
Melanie >> My name is Melanie Edwards and I'm the FOR-PD Technology Specialist.
Melanie >> Before we begin I would like to review the chat protocol. Please follow this protocol to participate in the chat.
Melanie >> The Exclamation Point - !
Melanie >> This exclamation point is like raising your hand. Type this symbol whenever you have a question or a comment related to what is being discussed. The moderator will acknowledge you and you can then ask your question.
Melanie >> The Pound Sign - #
John >> I need to retrieve my LL 5, I cannot on my computer
Melanie >> The pound sign indicates that you are finished typing your question or comment. Use this symbol when you are finished with your thought to indicate that you are finished typing.
Melanie >> The Ellipse - . . .
Melanie >> Use the Ellipse when you have a great deal to type so you do not keep participants waiting to read your entire thought. By breaking your comment up, you let participants know you are actively doing something rather than just typing a long response or question.
Melanie >> Be sure to type your message in the white box under "Enter your message below" and hit the Enter key on your keyboard.
Melanie >> That way everyone will see your message.
Melanie >> If there are no questions concerning the chat protocol, I'll go ahead and turn the chat over to Lourdes.
Lourdes >> Does anyone have any questions about protocol before we begin?
Rhonda >> no
Beverly >> !
Lourdes >> Okay, let's get started
Lourdes >> before taking questions, we're going to review the end of course processes
John >> !
Lourdes >> As we are near the near the end, please remember to note your facilitator’s email...
John >> Go ahead first
Lourdes >> John, we'll be right with you, we're going to review the end of course process first
Lourdes >> Once the course is closed, you will not have access to the course or course mail, so knowing your facilitator's email is vital if you need to reach them...
Lourdes >> Also, remember to check your grades and also print them out if you need to...
Lourdes >> some districts require a copy of the grades and a copy of your literacy log...
Lourdes >> remember to print them before you lose access to the course...
Beverly >> ok
Rhonda >> !
Lourdes >> after the course your facilitator should send you a note or email stating your status in the course
Glenda >> !
Lourdes >> FOR-PD will send you a certificate of completion via email and will also notify your district of completion so that you will receive your inservice points
Lourdes >> Those are the basics, let's chat with those of you who have some questions...please wait to be called on...
Lourdes >> Beverly, I believe you were first...
Lourdes >> go ahead
ALISON >> poor john #
Lourdes >> Beverly, did you have a question or comment?
Beverly >> I don't really have any questions, but just to state that it was a fabulous experience taking this course. I learned a tremendous amount of things.
Lourdes >> Wonderful to hear, Beverly! In just a little bit, after questions, I want to hear more about your experience
Beverly >> ok
Lourdes >> We always like to learn how the course has impacted our students....
Lourdes >> John, you were next...
ALISON >> !
ALISON >> he wants to know how to access the logs...particularly LL5 #
Lourdes >> Thank you, Alison.
Lourdes >> Melanie, would you like to cover this?
Melanie >> sure
John >> I need to answer one small questions from LL5. I went to retrieve them and they were gone from my computer. can you help?
Melanie >> John, if you click on the literacy log #5, you will not see your original submission...
Melanie >> Instead, you will be opening a new submission...
Melanie >> this is fine..
Melanie >> in fact, it is the only way to revise a previous submission...
Melanie >> If you need to make changes, go ahead and re-submit the lit log...
John >> d not there
Melanie >> but, you do not need to submit the whole lit log, just those questions you need to revise...
Melanie >> I'm sorry, that's not what you meant?
John >> I did and they were but in order to submit, I need to see the previous questions
Melanie >> oh ok
Melanie >> well, to see your previous submission...
Melanie >> just click on the View Scores button next to the lit log title
Melanie >> then, the next screen will show you the number of attempts...
Melanie >> click on the attempt number, #1 for example...
Melanie >> and this will bring up your previous submission and your answers.#
Lourdes >> John, is that what you're looking for?
Lourdes >> Did that help?
John >> I will have to go to my lit log by exiting the chat right?
Melanie >> yes, if you go to access any other part of the course, you will be booted from the chat.
John >> Ok Ill be right back
Lourdes >> Ok, as John checks on that, let's go on to Rhonda
Lourdes >> Rhonda, go ahead
Rhonda >> If you didn't save Lit Log to a word document, is there a way to compile them for print?
Melanie >> Rhonda...
Melanie >> Unfortunately, you will not be able to use the compile tool for the lit logs...
Melanie >> By viewing your previous submission following the steps I gave to John...
Melanie >> you can then print each lit log...
Melanie >> or save to Word if you prefer.#
Melanie >> does that help?
Rhonda >> yes
Lourdes >> Great! Glenda, your next...
Glenda >> I have enjoyed it also and I have gotten a lot of resources I have utilized. I need to know how to get access to your log grades?
Melanie >> Glenda, what do you mean by log grades?
Melanie >> do you mean the literacy logs?
Glenda >> The lit logs with the reflections
John >> It worked thank you
Melanie >> Well, you should have been receiving comments from your facilitator for each lesson's lit log...
Melanie >> something to the effect of "lit log reviewed" or "incomplete", etc...
Melanie >> then you will receive a final lit log grade at then end of the course for all the lessons' lit logs...
ALISON >> Welcome back John!
Melanie >> I'm glad it worked John!
Melanie >> Does that help Glenda?
Glenda >> I received the lit log reviewed. Thanks!
Lourdes >> Allison, I think you had a question/comment...
ALISON >> I was also just concerned that we need our grades printed...
ALISON >> yet we do not actually have ½ of our grades...
Lourdes >> hmmmm
ALISON >> it just says "Lit Log reviewed"...
Lourdes >> you currently do not have grades?
Lourdes >> ahhhh
ALISON >> that isn't going to give me a grade#
Lourdes >> yes, as noted in lesson 1, you get one grade for all of the literacy logs together
Lourdes >> at the end, you earn whatever points out of 20
ALISON >> but will we get them before we are locked out? #
Lourdes >> the note that your lit log is reviewed, and you were not asked to repost, notes that you earned full credit for it
Lourdes >> If you print all your other grades, your facilitator can send you an email with your final or any missing grades...
Lourdes >> just remember to get his/her personal email so you can reach them
ALISON >> That would be wonderful...because I would really prefer actual grades for my records. Thank you. #
Lourdes >> does anyone else have any questions regarding the end of the course, assignments, or technology used in the course?
John >> !
Lourdes >> sure, John, go ahead
John >> I need to post an addendum to LL11. I posted one but it was not received. What is the best way to reply
Lourdes >> John, did you have a question/comment?
Lourdes >> oh good
Lourdes >> the lesson 11 discussion or literacy log, John?
John >> Yes
Lourdes >> the discussion or the literacy log entry?
Jessica >> !
ALISON >> !
Melanie >> Hi John, just to clarify, do you mean you posted a reply to the discussion for lesson 11?
Melanie >> and it did not post to the board?
John >> The LL entry. It was just my accommodations for ELL students. I have it, where should I post?
Melanie >> I see.
Melanie >> John, the same way that I explained you would revise a lit log when we were speaking earlier...
John >> Ok thanks
Melanie >> you can go in and submit a second lit log #11 with the additional information.
Lourdes >> Jessica, you were next...
Melanie >> sure, no problem John
Jessica >> I have 2 questions actually..
Jessica >> first do the pre and post survey bear any weight in our final grades?
Jessica >> Second...is the system going to lock us out on Sept 10 or 14?
Lourdes >> to your first question, the surveys do not have any bearing on your passing the course
Lourdes >> they are used to show growth from what your understandings were in the beginning of the course and what you learned
Lourdes >> for the second question, what was the date you began the course?
Jessica >> hmm...I believe it was in June??? I don’t remember exactly
Lourdes >> If you began on June 4, as a majority of the courses did, your last day will be the 10 th
Jessica >> TY#
Lourdes >> you will be denied access by the 11th at 9am...
Lourdes >> no problem
Lourdes >> Alison, you had your hand up
Lourdes >> your turn
ALISON >> I just wanted to know what the next step is at this point...
ALISON >> I have finished all of my lit logs and posted everything...
ALISON >> and took the final quiz and survey...
ALISON >> now what?
Lourdes >> Well, if you have completed all of the assignments, you should make the copy of your grades and literacy log, make sure you have grades for those items you posted, double check quiz scores, and then you're basically done
Lourdes >> you seem to have most things under wraps
Lourdes >> you may want to go back into the course and get any information you are interested in keeping and/or links too
ALISON >> glad to hear that...I already printed everything and maybe we could just let all facilitators know about the lit logs grades...
Lourdes >> once the 11th rolls around you will no longer have access to the course, but the website and the resources will be available to you
Lourdes >> the main website, I mean... forpd.ucf.edu
ALISON >> I would think that all of us would like the actual grades for the course...
Lourdes >> upon completion of the course, your facilitator has two weeks to wrap things up and send in a course closing
Lourdes >> then, in about two weeks you'll get a certificate via email
ALISON >> since all we are able to print is the section that says "Lit Log Reviewed' But it will probably lock us out before we get to the grades.
ALISON >> Does the course closing or anything else give us a grade break-down?
Lourdes >> Hmmm...Alison, I'm unsure what you mean by you'll be locked out before you get to the grades
Lourdes >> grades should be posted for each discussion and quiz
Lourdes >> there is not individual grades for literacy logs
Lourdes >> but one final one
Lourdes >> and your facilitator can email you that final grade if you are locked out before it is complete
ALISON >> So that grade will be sent to me if it is not there by the time we get locked out of the course?
ALISON >> Gotcha. Thank you#
Lourdes >> yes, facilitators should notify you if the course is closed before any final grades are posted
Lourdes >> great!
Lourdes >> anyone else have any questions?
Lourdes >> one question that often does arise is access to the course once it is over
ALISON >> Thank you NT.
Lourdes >> once the course has completed, you will not be able to access the materials in it, such as the specific lesson text
Lourdes >> but, you will be able to access our reading strategies, our database, our newsletter, and other information via the for-pd main site
Lourdes >> if you are interested in keeping some of the text, you may consider saving some of it as a large file after you compile the lesson
Lourdes >> What did you think was the most profound information on reading? If you could change something in the course what would it be? We are seeking information from you in the hopes that we will get some good information to take back to the committee that will review and revise the course.
Lourdes >> We are always looking for good information on what worked, and what didn't.
Beverly >> !
Lourdes >> Our motto, at the project, is that we are a learning project.
Lourdes >> Beverly
Beverly >> I only thing I would change...
Beverly >> is the assignments that we had to work with partners. I had a great person to work with...
Glenda >> This was my first online course. It was difficult at first, however it got easier as the course continued. I’m glad I had an opportunity to obtain the wealth of knowledge. All of the information was beneficial. I wouldn't change anything!
Beverly >> but since we all have different schedules, it was difficult to come together to share thoughts and . . .
Beverly >> I always liked to do my assignments early in the week and most of the other students. .
Beverly >> waited until Fri or Sat.
Lourdes >> that's a good point, Beverly! We really want to have participants working together
Beverly >> I found that frustrating and kind of had to "double-back" on the work.
Lourdes >> as you noted, you had a good partner and I hope you learned some new things from him/her
Beverly >> Everything else was great and I came away a lot better than when I started the course.
Lourdes >> but, I do understand about making the time to work with others
Lourdes >> it's not always easy
Lourdes >> Glenda, thank you for the kind words...what was one thing you took from the course? Your favorite?
John >> !
Lourdes >> John
Lourdes >> go ahead while Glenda gathers her thoughts...
Rhonda >> Every time I played a video, I was expecting to see a teacher using the strategy on students... I would rather see that than a teacher talking about the experience.#
Glenda >> The assessment piece. Knowing how important it is to assist our students to be success. I got a better understanding on what to go over with the students and what not to.
John >> I want to give everyone a chance to ask before proceed
Lourdes >> Rhonda, you read my mind. That is a definite direction we are heading in and I couldn't agree more
Lourdes >> Thank you, Glenda. The assessment lesson is a vital one.
Lourdes >> John, I think you can speak now...
Rhonda >> If the concern is that you would show students' faces, there are ways to shoot the video that show hands and books and backs of heads instead
Rhonda >> sorry.. I'm done.#
Lourdes >> thanks, Rhonda. Good thoughts!
John >> I went to my view scores section on LL but was unable to type entries.
Melanie >> John, when you go to the view scores section, you will only be able to see your previous submission and answers, but will not be able to revise...
Melanie >> You can copy your answers into Word (or similar program) to reference...
Melanie >> when you submit a second instance of the lit log with your revised answers or additional information.
John >> Ok should I submit changes in outgoing mail to my facilitator M. Kirwin?
Melanie >> You can do that if you wish and if your facilitator will accept them that way. You'll need to check with your facilitator...
Melanie >> but, you can easily submit a second lit log and only answer the questions you need to revise.
Lourdes >> John, it's probably best to see if you can add a second lit log entry because we need to verify that info is in the course
John >> Ok Ill try that instead, I put a lot of time in this course and want to complete it successfully
Lourdes >> Well, we are at the end of our time together in the chat
Lourdes >> it has been a great pleasure hearing from some of you over the summer
Michele >> thanks :)
Lourdes >> Registration for fall continues through September 10
Rhonda >> thank you
Glenda >> Thanks for the chat time!
Lourdes >> if you know a teacher or administrator who you think would enjoy the course
Lourdes >> or get something out of it
Jessica >> ty
Lourdes >> please have them visit our main site
Beverly >> will do!!
Beverly >> have a great school year!!
Melanie >> thank you everyone
Lourdes >> If anyone has further questions for me, please feel free to call me at 407-384-2076
Lourdes >> or email at losmith@mail.ucf.edu
John >> Does any one have Margert Kirwins e mail
Lourdes >> even after the course is over, I'd be glad to chat about reading instruction anytime
Lourdes >> Have a good night!
Glenda >> You too!
Melanie >> John, you should be able to find it in your facilitator's welcome message or "meet me here"
Michael >> GDNGHT#
Lourdes >> have a good evening
