TTP Spotlight

Finding Up-to-Date Instructional Materials for Classroom Software

The great thing about software in the Internet Age is that software developers can send you immediate updates to fix bugs and to improve the programs you purchased. The problem is the training materials you bought for the software need an update, too. What do you do when your books are already a step behind the technology in your classroom and new editions are nowhere in sight?

Alan Penner, a high-school Computer Education teacher at Moorpark High School in Moorpark, CA, is well-acquainted with the challenge of keeping training materials current and standards-based at a time when funding cutbacks are affecting schools at nearly every level. With only 30% to 40% of the students at Moorpark High eligible to receive free lunches, the school is left out of some of the technology funding that others receive.

Creative Funding Sources

So to keep pace with new technology needs, Penner says that he tries "to use creative funding sources to upgrade hardware, software, and materials about every three to five years. Being involved in the state-funded Regional Occupation Program (ROP) is one method for us to keep up with industry standards. Grants are also used to fund our technology needs."

The ROP is a California initiative aimed at improving Computer Education in the state. While many other funding sources have dried up, so far the state has not cut as much of this program's funding. Penner says that this is because Computer Education is so vital to producing a qualified workforce.

Despite the ROP, however, he acknowledges that there's a great deal of work involved in the hunt for resources, especially with grants. Not only does he have to research and write multiple grant proposals, he has to update them every year. This takes a lot of time that he could otherwise direct toward instruction.

The consequences of not seeking additional money, though, can have a negative impact on student engagement. "Teachers have to spend time adjusting instruction to account for materials, hardware, and software that are outdated," says Penner. "Students can get discouraged when they know materials are outdated."

Materials for All Learners

What does he look for when it comes to student materials? "The most critical issue is that training materials address all types of learners and learning styles. In my experience, step-by-step instructions accompanied by screenshots serve all learners very well. Our task as educators is to ensure that all students learn."

Glencoe's new Introduction to Web Design program includes both print and online components. The Student Textbook is available in either print or electronic format. It focuses on core concepts that transcend most software updates. A separate Online Student Manual contains all of the application-specific, step-by-step projects. When you upgrade your software, you can update the Online Student Manual you access. For example, if you switch from Adobe® Dreamweaver® CS3 to CS4, you can upgrade your Online Student Manual from CS3 to CS4 too.

Glencoe's Online Student Manuals ensure that all students stay engaged. And you don't have to adapt outdated materials yourself. Flexible subscription lengths can also save you some of the time it takes to search for additional funding. Choose from 1-year subscriptions or 6-year subscriptions if you have funding to spend up front.

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