Use of Technology
CTL is committed to the use of technology in its work. We offer intentional design options to clients that include a blended approach, incorporating a variety of technology tools to meet specific needs. The appropriate and targeted utilization of technology is another way we co-create custom professional development approaches with schools.
CTL makes use of technology to capture images of good practice, deliver training, coaching and informational awareness sessions, and to conduct its work in a cost-saving and efficient manner. CTL coaches make use of a variety of technologies to provide effective and timely communication with clients.
Interactive Video Conferencing
CTL houses an Interactive Video Conference (IVC) studio equipped with a large screen video monitor and camera, document camera, white boards, and more. The studio enables staff to communicate in real time with external sites for professional development workshops, coaching, and information sessions.
CTL is a professional development provider through the Center for Interactive Learning and Collaboration (CILC). Through this partnership, CTL produces live IVC professional development sessions, and stored professional development products, available for purchase. Schools and others may access CILC’s PD Marketplace catalogue of professional development programs and products free of charge, with registration.
Video Production
CTL has produced CD and DVD video for clients, primarily aimed at capturing and documenting images of effective classroom practice for professional development purposes. CTL utilizes a professional videographer and has the capability to do in-house editing and finished production work, including graphic elements and packaging.
Following is an example of a DVD we produced for the Kentucky Department of Education.
Project Management, Client Support and Communication
In addition to standard means of communication (e.g., telephone, email), CTL utilizes a variety of asynchronous and synchronous technologies to support collaboration and consistent communication with clients on all tasks, benchmarks and deliverables. Two current technologies used by our staff are Skype and WebEx.
Social Networks to Build Professional Learning Communities
CTL also uses technology to build professional learning communities and utilizes a variety of Web 2.0 applications to accomplish this across programs and activities. Following are representative examples.
Paperless Training Events and Conferences
CTL has coordinated large-scale events and professional conferences for clients successfully utilizing a paperless (i.e., online) delivery system for presenter bios, agendas and print materials, session presentations, video links, and more.
Though new to many conferees, once they come to realize the ease through which materials can be accessed prior to, during and after the event, they report that they never want to go back to the days of being loaded down with folders, brochures, transcriptions, presentations, etc. And it's an absolute money-saver for the sponsoring organization. Following is an example of a paperless conference we coordinated for the GEAR UP Alliance: