eWalk from Media-X Systems Inc. Turning Classroom Observations into Meaningful Data for School Improvement Melissa Courtney; EDL 279

What is eWalk? A system to collect, analyze and store teacher observation data Intended to assist school leaders in gathering data when conducting walk-through observations Results are uploaded to the web for instant aggregation, data analysis, reporting, printing and emailing

Devices Observations can be done while connected to the internet or when disconnected to the internet – they would be uploaded later, once connected Free offline clients for iPad, iPhone, Android, Kindle Fire, Playbook, Mac/Win laptops, Palm, Blackberry and Windows Mobile

Touring eWalk for iPad Homes Screen and Dashboard Data Creating a Walk-Through Template Options and Features How to Upload a Walk-Through Reports Email Directly Teachers http://vimeo.com/64743337 Sample Templates from CRCSD

School Improvement Planning Individual Teachers Departments School Improvement Planning Why Use eWalk? Data from walk-through observations can be used to… Make better instructional decisions Critically evaluate the school improvement plan Monitor the use and frequency of the use of instructional intervention Increase meaningful conversation with teacher about student learning Catalyst for positive change Strategic School Improvement Planning: The principal and the administrative team analyze walkthrough data and use it for strategic SI planning The principal and department heads discuss the data and its implications for departmental practices The principal and individual teachers discuss the data and modify practices as needed

How does an administrator get eWalk? Each AEA has a contact person who will register an administrator’s DE folder # Need to communicate assigned buildings Administrators login to Media-X site for full access License follows that administrator Acquiring a device is different for each AEA and district

Costs $87.00 per license, per year AEA covers this cost Districts cover the costs of the devices Training Options: AEA New Teacher Center – 3 days In district District Technology Specialist provides a 1 hour PD for basics and ongoing support within district AEA creates templates for district and schools based on needs

Critiques Ios7 iPad 3 (Speech to Text) Update broke the app eWalk 2.0 iPad 3 (Speech to Text) Administrator Comfort Level with Technology Template formats can be challenges The goal of this style of supervision is to contribute to the development of teacher who are: Reflective, self-directed and analytical Continually improving practice Committed to meeting or exceeding professional standards Committed to ensuring that students meet or exceed content and performance standards

Surveys and Mobile Data Collection Professional Development eWalk Plus Video-Based Coaching Use teacher created videos to encourage peer mentoring and coaching Surveys and Mobile Data Collection Survey staff for good ideas and alternative points of view Professional Development Connects observations to appropriate PD resources Video Based Coaching: Use teacher created videos to establish peer mentoring and coaching Teachers can upload videos and peers/mentors can view, comment and rate those videos Surveys and Mobile Data Collection: Survey staff for good ideas Practical insights Establish benchmarks Professional Development: partner Educational Impact offers an array of researched based online professional development courses focused on effective and proven teaching strategies designed to be easy to use and are all video based