SchoolKiT is a web based technology integration program with a lot to offer. SchoolKit has two sections which we are testing in our demonstration schools; student lessons with technology integration and teacher lessons on applicable uses of technology for their classroom. ScoolKiT also has a program called tech-steps which our district chose not to use.
The lessons on EdClass are for students. Teachers can chose a lesson to work on as a class, or create a student log-in for independent work. The user simply chooses a lesson, opens up a “book” which contains step-by-step directions for completing the project. Everything the user needs is contained in the book, templates and action buttons which will automatically open the neccessary programs while keeping the instruction book open on the side. Users are then able to read and follow the directions without awkward toggling between windows.
The teacher lessons in PdPoint are interesting and based on practical projects to be used with students. The method is the same as for EdClass, users open a book that contains everything they need to complete the lesson, and every lesson is based on common programs that are used to create teacher materials (spreadsheets, power-point, paint programs). There are three types of classes available, self-paced books, anytime workshops, and instructor-led classes. There is a feature for creating a personal technology professional development plan with a tracking tool to help the user manage their personal goals in developing 21st Century Skills. They even have an option to apply for academic credit through several universities for the instructor-led classes.
I worked with PdPoint extensively before our training schedules became more rigorous and limited my time to complete the books. I like School Kit’s straight forward simple directions and clear use of technology to imrove students and teachers proficiency with 21st Century Skills. There is a goodly amount of lessons to browse on different levels and subject areas.
The one draw-back for our use was that we are not at the point where our teachers only need help embedding technology into their classroom. I wish that were the case, but we are struggling with the basics of getting teachers to become friends with their computers and become more proficient in their personal use of technology. This system is great if you are trying to break your school out of the “power-point rut” and offer them ready made lessons in an easily digestible format.
