This article will introduce an assessment tool that can be used as a readiness checklist for organizations interested in using the KIPBS online modules. The checklist can be used to determine what technology resources are available and what actions are needed before beginning to use online resources. Even organizations without strong technology support systems can use online materials. However, when access to computers or the internet is limited, trainers may decide to print off the materials ahead of time for professionals to read. In other situations, it will be easier to teach professionals how to use the internet to independently complete assignments. Once a staff development planning team (described in Part 2) has completed the staff development assessment, the next step is to complete the Technology Resource Readiness Checklist.

A first step in the assessment of an organization’s online instructional resources is to identify the people who have the capacity to support computer-based instruction. Some technology professionals work full time within an organization to maintain the technology equipment, provide training, and support staff members on a regular basis. In some situations there are other professionals who are skilled in the use of technology even though they may work in other roles within an organization. These informal computer experts can be an invaluable source of support in organizations that do not have professionals available to assist in online instructional training.

The KIPBS Modules have several methods for assessing a trainee’s progress as he or she completes each module. Reflective questions follow each lesson and are designed to assess a trainee’s understanding of the lesson content. Assessment items are open-ended questions that test knowledge of the module content. These reflective activities and assessments include exemplary answers. However, if you are not part of the KIPBS training, you will not be able to access these exemplary answers from the modules using the guest username and password. For a list of all the exemplary answers, trainers must email Pat Kimbrough (patk@ku.edu) to sign up as a trainer.

In the KIPBS Facilitator training system, all reflective questions and assessment items are submitted to an instructor for grading. If your staff development team decides to use the KIPBS modules to mentor professionals, one option is to identify a person with expertise in positive behavior support who will keep track of a trainee’s responses to reflective questions and assessment items. Trainees can answer questions using their own email addresses to send their responses to an identified trainer.

A critical consideration in online instruction is whether trainees will have access to computers and the internet consistently. Therefore, part of the initial technology resource assessment should include whether trainees will have access to computers when they need it. If this type of access is not available, printed copies of the modules should be made available and a plan may be needed to turn in written responses to the reflective questions and assessment items. Schedules can be created informing trainees when computers at the main office will be available and which professionals can assist them with computer hardware and software related questions. In addition, a person familiar with computer technology should provide an assessment of hardware and software to the staff development team to make sure the computers will support the use of the KIPBS modules.

The professionals who participate in online training will have differing technology skills and comfort levels with computers. To address this issue, the staff development team should consider an onsite laboratory class as an introductory step to ensure each trainee has a positive online experience. During the introductory lab class, each trainee should receive a KIPBS manual along with personal, step-by-step instruction. Before each trainee leaves the lab class, he or she should go through several online activities listed in the manual (e.g. finding specific modules or lessons, entering and exiting the modules, and locating assessments). If a trainee can complete these online activities during class, he or she will be successful navigating the modules independently.

Some of the modules contain activities that involve viewing video clips. If you use a dial-in account and are having difficulty viewing the clips online, CD Rom copies are available at the Kansas Institute for Positive Behavior Support (email Pat Kimbrough to order copies).