WDC Probationers

A very warm welcome to everyone.

We are delighted to be working in collaboration with West Dunbartonshire Council.

In partnership with the council, we are looking forward to working alongside Probationers (Primary) as part of a bespoke online training package.

This webpage aims to give an overview of the expectations, timings and format of the training.

When will the training take place?

Registration will begin in October, with the training officially beginning in November 2021.
Each Probationer will become part of a cohort.
You will not be able to switch cohorts during the training process.

What is it all about?

This bespoke online training event has been created for Probationers in WDC with the purpose of exploring a problem-based approach to interdisciplinary learning (IDL).

The online training will consist of a series of linked learning experiences, all underpinned by the Five Key Concepts. The synchronous and asynchronous elements aim to explore how the five key concepts of Designing for Learning can be used to create effective, collaborative IDL projects that have a positive effect on learning and community. Probationers will be supported in designing a mini-project which will be shared and celebrated during a showcase event hosted by WDC.

The training begins by activating your secure account on our training website and completing elements before the first synchronous ZOOM meeting. Please keep reading for further information about how to set-up your account.

What is the role of the Probationer in this online training event?

Probationers will be supported in order to:

Participate in all synchronous and asynchronous, collaborative and individual sessions during the online training (November 2021 - January 2022)
Participate in an allocated coaching session on 10th December 2021.
Design and implement a mini IDL project within their own setting.
Contribute project designs and materials to a shared area in Google Drive and (potentially) with Campus@WDC.

Engage with a variety of online training platforms including Single Steps Learning's Training Website, Padlet, Mentimeter, Video Conferencing - Zoom/Google Meet and Google Drive. (It is not necessary to have previous experience of using these as guidance will be given.)
Be open to creating a collaborative community to enable peer support and continued professional dialogue across settings for the duration of the training event.
Contribute towards a showcase event organised by WDC.

How will the training be organised?

The online training elements will be arranged in six sections on the training website.
Each section builds upon the one before, so we would ask that participants engage with each element in sequence.

You do not need to have previous knowledge of the online learning platforms, just an enthusiasm to engage with them.

If you have previously participated in any of our 'in person' training, you will be familiar with our design process and the types of experiences involved during our training events. We want to keep the integrity of 'Designing for Learning' and use the same principles within our online approach.

Find out more about our online approach to training

What do I need to do to prepare?

By 28th October 2021:

Complete the registration form as soon as possible (button located as you scroll down).

By 29th October 2021:

Activate your account with our Training Website when you receive the email invitation. Full details will be given after you have completed the registration form.

On the morning of Monday 1st November 2021:

The training website will be open and the training officially begins with asynchronous elements that can be completed at any time prior to the first Zoom Meeting.

For each Zoom Session:

Ensure you have access to a laptop/computer/chromebook
Keep a second device nearby (if possible) - smartphone or tablet is ideal.
Ideally, find a quiet space with good internet connection where you can immerse yourself in the experience.

click here to complete the registration form

WDC Section 1: Getting Started

Official Start Date: Monday 1st November 2021

WDC Section 2: Setting The Scene

Complete by Friday 5th November 2021

WDC Section 3: Knowing Me, Knowing You

This begins with your first synchronous session on Friday 5th November 2021.

WDC Section 4: Project-Based Learning

Access will be granted following your first synchronous Zoom Meet (5th November 2021).

WDC Section 5: In Reality

Please complete prior to your second synchronous session (Friday 12th November 2021) which is the final element of this section.

WDC Section 6: D.I.Y.

Access will be granted following your second synchronous Zoom Meet. This will include your Coaching Session (10th December 2021) and be completed by 28th January 2022.

We look forward to seeing you online very soon.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions...or just to say hello!

Contact Lynne and Andrew

Each element will contain an opportunity to reflect individually or with others. Reflection deepens understanding, allows connections to be made and encourages the exploration of different perspectives.