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GED Connection Training Module

Sample Agenda

Introduction - 9:00-9:30

- Brief run-down of the day

- Orientation to GED Connection

• Who created it
• Who it's for / its purpose
• What it includes, resource-wise
• Possible incentives for using it / product relevance

"Now Playing": Previewing GED Connection - 9:30-10:45

- Watch one of the following videos.

• GED Connection Program 17: Themes in U.S. History
  This episode explores key events and themes that have made the United States what it is today.
• GED Connection Program 23: Life Science
  This episode explores a variety of science topics - from basic biology to genetics to ecosystems.

-Write out your questions about/reflections on the video you previewed. Share your comments with the larger training group.

Break - 10:45-11:00

Reviewing the Website and the Workbook - 11:00-12:00

- Walk through the GED Connection website and explore the section that corresponds to your assigned GED subject. Use the following instructions to reach social studies or science content.

SOCIAL STUDIES - WEBSITE DIRECTIONS

1. Once you reach your Home Space, click "Workplace Essential Skills & GED Connection."
2. Click "Social Studies."
3. Under "Internet Activities," click "Themes in U.S. History."
4. Click the yellow buttons to explore "About," "Key Ideas," "Activity," "Quiz," and "Follow Up."

SCIENCE - WEBSITE DIRECTIONS

1. Once you reach your Home Space, click "Workplace Essential Skills & GED Connection."
2. Click "Science."
3. Under "Internet Activities," click "Life Science."
4. Click the yellow buttons to explore "About," "Key Ideas," "Activity," "Quiz," and "Follow Up."

- Consider the following questions as you review your subject area online.

• How well does the website complement the video?
• What parts of the website are helpful, confusing, interesting, etc.?

- Review your copy of the Social Studies and Science workbook. Consider the following questions:

• How well does the workbook "fit" with the video and the website?
• Is it an effective, complementary resource? Why/why not?

Reflection and Discussion - 12:00-1:00

- Divide into small discussion groups, according to your assigned topic area, and discuss the following:

• What questions do you have about these products?
• Based on your experience reviewing social studies or science resources, how might the GED Connection fit into your learning environment and curriculum?

- Small groups share their reflections with the large group.

Lunch - 1:00-2:00

Now What? - 2:00-2:45

- Discuss the following points, in a large group.

• Describe your learners in "bullet points."
• If you were going to use the GED Connection with your students this week, how would you start?
• What would you introduce first and why? (Explain your chosen topic, medium, etc.)
• How does this approach support your students' needs?

Roadblocks to Implementation - 2:45-3:15

- Consider the following question, in a large group:

• What roadblocks to implementation do you foresee in your program?

- Brainstorm possible solutions/next steps.

Break - 3:15-3:30

Collaborative Activity: Creating a Sample Lesson - 3:30-4:30

- In small groups, "flesh out" a lesson plan, using the materials seen/reviewed during the day. Please refer to the basic lesson outline in your packet.

- Reconvene and share your lesson plan with the large group.

Introduction to Discussion Board - 4:30-5:30

- Learn about the Professional Development Kit (PDK) discussion tool. Practice navigation and posting/reading/responding to messages.

- Discuss next steps/expectations for ongoing online discussions.