Frequently Asked Questions

Classroom Connect Questions
Internet Access Questions
Training Questions
Miscellaneous Questions

Q. Can two 3-week courses count for a 6-week course?

A. No, All of the 3-week courses are "basic" skill courses they are set up so that beginners to computers and the Internet can quickly master technology basics in these short, 3-week courses. Teachers can learn the basics of using computers, the Internet, email, message boards, printing, and much more. Since the ultimate focus of this grant is "integration into teaching and learning" anyone can take as many 3-week courses as they need to "strengthen their skills" , but no stipend will be paid for any 3-week courses. Stipends will only be paid for 6-week courses. Two 3-week courses do not count as a 6-week course as the 3-week courses do not focus on integration.

Q. Can I take more than just three 6-week courses?

A. Yes, you are welcome to take as many 6-week courses and 3-week courses as you would like. You will only be paid a stipend of $125 for the first 6-week course and $100 a piece for the next two 6-week courses that you take.

Q. What type of learner do I sign up as, for Classroom Connect?

A. General Learner or Independent Study. You are welcome to sign up as any type of learner as your own personal choice but our stipends and program will only go towards courses taken as a General Learner or Independent Study.

Q. Are there any books required?

A. No. If you sign up as a General Learner there will not be any book required. If it suggests reading from a certain book in your course it is only a suggestion. There will be no material given from a book that will affect your grade in the class.

Q. My password does not work, what should I do?

A. Shut down your browser completely and open it again. Enter your UserID and password again. If this still does not work contact shaunda.guthrie@esc13.txed.net or call 1-866-438-3224 (toll-free) or 919.5228 for assistance.

Q. What if all the numbers you offer are all long distance from my house for a dial-up connection?

A. Not a problem. In any case please fax your form to us so we will have a know the number of people in each area that this current plan does not service. We are currently working with Academic Planet to set up some new locations so more people can have a local dial-up to them. If this works out you will be notified of your options. If this still does not work out and there is no plan that we can offer as a local call for you, we will give you a $5 "rebate" on your current internet provider (this is only if we cannot provide a local option for you).

Q. How will this training differ from the TIF training provided by ESC?

A. The Integration Training for the grant will differ in that the focus will be on planning, organizing, delivering, evaluating and managing the integration process as was written into the grant. The emphasis on the process, ie., "how to" develop a lesson/unit using technology will be coupled with a product or lesson to be tested in the classroom through the course of the year.

Q. Will all participants be required to complete the five days of face-to-face integration training?

A. Yes, between November 2000 and June 2001 all participants will schedule their five days of integration training.

Q. What is baseline training? Who is the baseline training targeted to?

A. Baseline training will focus on certain software applications such as Word, PowerPoint, Appleworks/Clarisworks, Internet basics etc. . Baseline training, as needed, will target those participants whose pre-assessment shows the need.

Q. Will training be scheduled on Saturdays and evenings to accommodate schedules?

A. Yes, the online calendar will show varied times and locations to accommodate participants, including evenings and Saturdays.

Q. If subs are not used, will participants be able to receive the stipends normally paid to the subs?

A. Yes, districts/entities participating in the project during non-contract time will be eligible for the usual sub stipend. The stipend amount for non-contract time for training will be based on the normal sub pay amount for that district.

Q. Will you cluster training sites to minimize travel and accommodate a larger participation?

A. Yes, often training will be held in common locations asking participants to travel short distances to accommodate larger participation.

Q. Who will be the trainers/consultants providing training and online support?

A. The trainers/consultants will be individuals contracted within the Region XIII ESC area to include school staff.

Q. Is an administrator allowed to participate in this project if they did not require reimbursement funding?

A. Yes, we would like them to participate; in fact, many of the Classroom Connect online courses are geared for administrators.

Q. Will the campus have any input concerning specifications for the portfolio kit? Will the portfolio kit be adaptable to PC's as well as Macintoshes?

A. The portfolio kits will be custom ordered for each campus based on the machines they have.

Q. Will the grant pay for TCEA registration?

A. We will give competitive scholarships to teachers to attend TCEA registration.

Q. What are the just-in-time training materials?

A. Books, videos, CD-ROMs that teachers can use to "brush up" on their skills in Word, PowerPoint, Apple works, or whatever common tools software they are using.

Q. I noticed some activities scheduled for the summer months. Can we still participate in the program if we are not available during the summer months?

A. Participants have until the summer to complete the integration training, as we will have approximately 2200 participants region wide. If you complete your training before the summer, then you will have the training commitment finished. We will have a summer share fair, like a mini technology conference for the E-Teach participants and all participants are invited to attend.

For more information please contact Stacy Avery Project Director, Project E-Teach, Education Service Center, Region XIII.

For technical support please contact Shaunda Guthrie Technical Program Assistant, Project E-Teach, Education Service Center, Region XIII.