Professional Development Checklist

We recommend that Professional Developers have the following GIST resources to provide an effective session:

  • GIST software
  • GIST users’ guide
  • Workshop outcome list
  • Workshop agenda
  • GIST registration form (online registration is preferred)

Additionally, please consider:

  • Internet access
  • Data projector and screen (depending on workshop setting)
  • Notebook computer
  • GIST online store account
  • Content Enhancement Library account and group
  • Some way to copy work completed during the workshop (blank disk or CD, flash drive, network drive, etc.)

Each GIST Professional Development training scenario is going to be slightly different depending on a number of factors such as computer access, time, Content Enhancement Routine training and participants’ level of computer proficiency. Professional Developers should consider the following in preparing to train on GIST:

  • Computer Lab: Ideally, GIST should be taught in a computer lab (Windows, Macintosh, or a combination). Each participant should have his or her own workstation. The presenter’s workstation should be connected to a data projector, allowing participants to follow along during activities. The lab should have Internet access and, if necessary, some method of saving individuals’ work (blank disks or CDs, flash drives, network drives, etc.).
  • Notebook computers: In some situations, GIST will be taught using notebook computers brought in by participants. You’ll need to make sure the school’s network will allow these computers to access the network (see below). Preferably, participants should have GIST installed in advance, perhaps via a promotion code through the GIST Store. If necessary, walk participants through software installation at the beginning of the workshop, keeping in mind that this procedure can take anywhere from 2-20 minutes per computer depending on the speed of the computer and the Internet connection (see notes below).
  • Presentation Only: In situations where hands-on professional development is not possible, prepare an interactive presentation highlighting GIST’s capabilities with Content Enhancement Routines. You’ll need access to one computer with GIST installed, a data projector, and screen. You’ll also need Internet access if you plan to demonstrate the GIST Store, the Content Enhancement Library, or linking to websites from GIST.

Installing GIST for use in computer labs

In most situations, you’ll need to speak with the school’s technology staff to get GIST installed. Technology policies and procedures vary from district to district or even school to school, so it’s critical that you contact the appropriate people early. Some require weeks to install new software, or only perform software installations between semesters, so plan ahead!

School technology staff may access the software via CD-ROM or download through the GIST Store. Software requirements are posted online.

Internet access

If you’re planning to use the Internet during your workshop (for example, to access the GIST Store or the Content Enhancement Library), you’ll need to make sure to speak with school technology staff in advance and make sure to have Internet access available for your workshop (preferably wireless).

Keep in mind that Internet connection speeds vary from school to school, and often (especially in wireless configurations) speeds can slow drastically as more and more people try to go online at once. This can be especially apparent when you have several people all trying to download and install GIST at once. This is why it’s a good idea to have participants install the software in advance, or at least have several copies of the installer on CD to share with the group.