FAQs

1. Who is this program for?
Anyone working in education within the Kent Intermediate School District.

2. How much does it cost to participate?
Fifteen bucks... we think it's a pretty awesome deal to tap into the knowledge within the Things.

3. How do I sign up for the "23 Things"
Go to the KISD Professional Development GoSignMeUp page. Login with your existing account, or create a new one. Once you are in, browse for courses. 23Things is under Teaching and Learning - Technology.

3. What if I want some SB-CEU's for doing the 'Things'
If you are within the KISD, you can apply for SB-CEUs. We will be keeping track of the completion of each of your 'Things'. If you apply for 4.6 SB-CEU's and complete all 23 Things, we will award them to you after the end of the course.

You can download a SB-CEU enrollment form that needs to be mailed (US Postal Service) or sent via REMC courier back to the project coordinator at the Kent ISD. We must have this document, with signature, back no later than MAY 29, 2010.

4. Why does this program exist?
Mostly because it's a fun way to learn new things that you can use in your professional and personal life. The things will increase your expertise, plus you can throw around words like 'Web 2.0' with abandon - and people will think you are really cool. How great is that?

5. WIIFM (What's In It For Me)?
Besides the joy of learning new things about how you can change the world in your office or classroom... we offer 4 SB-CEU's.

6. How do I track my progress for each of the 23 Things?
Each person that chooses to participate in this program will be required to create a blog to track his or her progress.

7. I'm not comfortable with my co-workers reading my blog, can I participate anonymously?
Since you control all the information that you share on your blog, you can choose to use a screen name to identify yourself to keep yourself anonymous. The KISD 23 Things team will not share your identity with anyone.

8. Are you offering any training on how to do any of the 'Things'?
No, this is a self-directed learning program. We will send out periodic emails providing helpful hints and contact information. You are also encouraged to be resourceful and to find a co-worker, friend (real or virtual), or look for 'HELP' links for the tools. Since we are a community of learners - be sure to share your knowledge and expertise with others as well.

9. I am having problems seeing the videos or other graphics in my browser. What should I do?
Most video on the web today is delivered via Flash Video. If you cant see a particular video, try updating your Flash plug-in's by going here. For some sites, you also may require the JAVA plug-in, which you can get here.  We've also created a Computer Tuneup page with helpful links.

Additionally, we hope you would update your web browser to either the latest version of Firefox or Internet Explorer if you are using a Windows PC, or Safari if you use a Mac.

10. I noticed some of the Things have a section headed Challenge? What is this and do I have to do it?
The Challenges are there for those participants who are already familiar with that particular Thing and want to learn more and/or for those who are intrigued by what they have learned doing the first parts of the Thing. The Challenges are all optional; you do not have to do those parts to have completed the Thing. If you do one or more the Challenges, be sure to blog about it!

11. Are there any guidelines or rules for blog posts?
While there are no rules per se, these are a few things to keep in mind as you blog your progress:

  • Keep in mind the type of posts you make and use discretion in mentioning names/places.
  • Copyright issues and intellectual content also apply to blogs.
  • Photo posting — When posting identifiable photos of other people (especially minors) it is advisable to get the person’s permission before posting their photo in a publicly available place like Flickr. Never upload pictures that weren’t taken by you (unless you have the photographer’s consent) and always give credit when you include photos taken by someone else in your blog.
  • Respect your colleagues’ thoughts and comments, but feel free to disagree. That’s how discussions ensue and change happens!
  • Read these points above again. Be aware and be appropriate on your blog.
12: Ready? 
All of the 23 Things you will complete are listed on the right side of the main page