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= Hello, and Welcome to DynamicPLC! =

I'm Shelby Bowen, your course developer and facilitator. Throughout this course I can be reached by email at sbowen@k12albemarle.or I've created this professional development course as part of //my// online learning experience in a pilot course called the eTeacher Series. Right now several other Albemarle County teachers are conducting their own professional development courses similar to the one you're taking.

I've posted some questions and answers below that I hope will shed some light on what our course is about. For a fun look at what wikispaces are all about, click on the link below. After watching the video clip, click on your back button to return to this wikispace page and read over the questions and answers. [|What's a Wikispace?]

**Please read the information below, then go to Tasks on the left hand toolbar for your first assignment.**
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**// Why create a PD course about wikispaces? //**
The purpose for creating this online course is to develop online collaboration among professional learning communities. Your communities can connect as grade level teams, as vertical teams, as specialists, or just educators who share common interests and goals.

As we work together to build our understandings of what it means to create, communicate, and collaborate online, you will also develop 21st century technology skills that will enhance your delivery of instruction, open doors to new experiences, and build your confidence in working in online environments.

**// I've never taken an online course. How does it work? //**

 * This is an asynchronous online course. This means that while you will have some due dates, you will not be required to meet online at a set time or place. You can work on your assignments and discussions whenever and wherever you want! Personally, I like working in a comfy chair at home, but occasionally I need to access the course on my lunch break at school. You may find that you like working in coffee shops, bookstores, the library, or anywhere you have internet access.**

**//How do I navigate in a wikispace?//**

 * To navigate within Dynamic PLC, use the left hand toolbar and the tabs at the top of the wikipage. At the uppermost right hand corner you will see a small toolbar with a Help and a sign out button. Be sure to sign out after each visit to our space. If you click on the link below you will find a video tutorial with step by step instructions for navigation. Feel free to view the video throughout our course.**
 * [|Navigating in a Wikispace] **

**//Okay, so what can I expect?//**

 * I've included most of what you'll need to know below, but if I've missed something feel free to contact me at sbowen@k12albemarle.org**

**Course Details**

 * (You can also find this information in the left hand tool bar under Course Information)**

**As a result of this course you should be able to:**

 * **Navigate in a wikispace**
 * **Develop a collaborative online voice**
 * **Identify useful resources and materials for your PLC**
 * **Collaboratively develop expectations (rubric) for a dynamic PLC**
 * **Create an individual or PLC wikispace**
 * **Upon completion, receive five recertification points**

//Prerequisite Skills and Technology**// Skills: Basic email retrieval and web navigation. Technology: Computer and internet access. You will need to be able to view and hear a few online tutorials.