Ottawa Area Intermediate School District Technology Planning ...

Champions training and “Connecting and Collaborating Conference.” OAISD has also partnered
with the Midwest Brain & Learning Institute of Hope College to provide graduate courses toward
a professional certificate in Brain-Compatible Instruction including areas of technology
integration.
Professional Development to improve Technology Skills (primarily internal OAISD staff)
In addition to the skill development embedded into professional development opportunities listed above,
OAISD also provides opportunities for its entire staff to continue to learn how to better utilize technology
in their job functions. Examples include:
• Thompson M-TEC – Given that the mission of M-TEC is to train adult learners, it is natural for
OAISD to use its own adult training arm to provide internal training. This primarily happens in
two ways. First, M-TEC staff provides training for job-embedded technology skills in specific
software or skills areas, e.g., Microsoft Office Suite, Internet searching skills, IC3 certification,
etc. Second, M-TEC works in conjunction with the Human Resources Department to offer
assessment, training and certifications for staff as part of the broader OAISD Development
University framework. Offerings are continually provided based upon needs that are identified in
the various planning activities of the OAISD.
• Technology Services Department – The Technology Services Department tends to focus its
training on technology systems and application that are unique to the OAISD (rather than broad
training such as Microsoft Word). The Technology Services Department seeks to provide just-intime
learning for staff via a number of mechanism ranging from web-based “how to” instructional
vignettes to larger group face-to-face interactions. Additionally, the Technology Services seeks
to raise general technology awareness via its “Geeks Speak” sessions (focus on emerging
technologies) and “IT’s Cool” articles in the organizations newsletter.
• Conferences, Training, and Academics – OAISD has maintained a generous budget to ensure that
its staff may keep up-to-date both skill-wise and on “bigger picture” issues. As deemed
appropriate by job function, staff may engage in professional learning activities related to
educational technologies at conferences, training seminars and classes, and in more formal
academic settings.
Support for Professional Development
As mentioned previously, professional development is part of everyday life at the Ottawa Area ISD. The
strategies and opportunities detailed above are already in place and will continue throughout the term of
this Technology Plan. The schedule for the professional learning strategies identified in the “Technology
Alignment with the Educational Mission” section is provided on the respective table. To support the
identified professional development strategies over this term, the following resources are available:
• Finances
- Allocated budget line items for software, innovation, assistive technology, books &
periodicals and capital outlay
- Budget support for 2012-2015 technology plan
- Research & Development funds for pilot programs
• Technology and Media Resources:
- 9000 item media resources available for loan (over 10,000 items shipped per year)
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