The Storybird website gives insight into different trainings for educators. The first would be through the resources that they offer. The resources section gives educators a look at the different logo's used within the company as well as different slides that represent what the company is trying to communicate to the community. Videos are available through a YouTube channel that Storybird has created to show how Storybird is used for education and what educators can do once an account is created. A few of those videos are listed below. You can also explore the platform on the iOS or android application that is available for phones just like an example of what a challenge on the website looks like as well as a sample of students work that was created using the program.
The most common questions for educators are posted on the educators page to explore and answer what is not known right away. While these questions are specifically tailored toward educators, there is also a questions page for parents since there is a parent account option. The videos on the website itself also offer answers to the most common questions that many may have on the program.
The website offers links to not just the original website itself, but to the Chrome app, iOS app, and the Google Play app. Educators also have the option to explore a case study in which was conducted in New Zealand to show the effects of Storybird within the classroom. Educators can read more facts about the uses of Storybird for educators in the classroom for student learning as well as access to the full YouTube channel with different videos on different content created by the company.
On the dashboard page when you login, there is a tab called Getting Started. Within that section, there are topic specific tutorial videos that break down simple steps on what different areas perform.
This video breaks down how an educator can use Storybird in their classroom to improve students writing ability and literacy skills. The video breaks down the sections for educators to understand how Storybird is facilitate students learning. This is through: inspiration, management, and fundraisers.
This video is a tutorial that breaks down step by step the different areas of Storybird and with what you can achieve on the site. It starts off with looking at the different tabs that will be found on your dashboard or the "Your Stuff" page as it is called on the platform.
While many of the applications of the Storybird programming can be found on the website, a technology training on this platform should be introduced to educators separately. While it is noted that some educators will be comfortable with using the platform, others will need guidance and support with the program. The following steps will be taken to insure that educators will fee more comfortable with using the platform:
Training would begin by showing the school staff and completed story that was developed by a student. This can be a book that was published and/or a story that was created digitally. I will explain that this particular story was all created by the Storybird platform. From there, I would explain the program features in which that tie into the curriculum standards of writing. This would lead into a further discussion on why this platform would be beneficial for the school or for individual teacher use. Teachers will be able to address any questions or concerns with me after the presentation and be able to sign up for one-on-one sessions that they need or for individual small groups that I will hold to build on training skills on the program.
Based on the needs of the teachers, I will meet with the teacher or the teacher teams to discuss how the platform can be integrated into the curriculum needs of their students in the classroom. The best way to proceed with the meetings is to encouraged the teachers not get overwhelmed and stressed since we will walk through the process of creating a story together. By walking through the process together, we are demonstrating understanding and creation of a technology that will implement the skills of the students through a digital platform.
Once individual and/or team meetings have been conducted, I will meet with any teacher to further their knowledge on the platform. This can be through the co-teaching method of using the platform with a lesson plan the teacher has created or by even given the teacher support in the classroom when implementing the platform with student use.
Teachers will then begin to support their students in the classroom by rolling out the platform for the students to use and explaining the different features of the platform. I will be available to help any teacher that needs me to further learning of student knowledge on the platform.
Teachers and students will then explore the platform on their own with I am sitting back and watching the integration process and to give feedback to the teachers after the lesson.
Teachers and students will use the platform independently without my support, but I will always be around to answer any questions that come up.