Introduction

=Introduction to the Data Tools Workshop & to Wikispaces =

This workshop will focus on the use of PDE's tools for viewing and interpreting data. These tools mainly focus on student performance on the PSSA. During the workshop, you will also learn about [|Wikis] - which are a new web-based technology that can be utilized for collaborative learning. Enjoy!

Activity 1: Join the [|DataTools].
The first thing you will need to do to participate in this workshop is to join the DataTools wikispace. This space resides at the address: toc http://datatools.wikispaces.com.
 * At the top left hand corner, click on **join this space.**
 * Do not type in a username or password at this time. Click on **join Wikispaces now.**
 * Create a **usename,** type in a **password** you can remember, and add your **email address.**
 * Leave the **Make a Space** button on **No**. (You can create your own Wikispace from your account at a later date.)
 * Click on the **Join** button.
 * Now go to the email account you listed for your username, and click on **Confirm your email address now**.
 * This will take you back to Wikispaces, and tell you your email address has been confirmed.
 * Return to the datatools.wikispaces.com site (either in a open tab, or type the address into your browser again)
 * Click **Join this Space** one more time.
 * Click the **Request Membership** button
 * One of your instructors will approve your membership momentarily.
 * Click the **refresh** button on your browser (the blue circular arrow).
 * Now you can proceed on to Activity 2, and introduce yourself to the other workshop participants.

Activity 2: Post an introduction
> > NOTE: In each subsequent lesson area, you will be expected to post a response to a variety of questions. You will repeat the previous activity in order to do that. Additionally, each new lesson will contain a post entitled "Questions & Problems." You may respond to this discussion thread in order to ask for help, get clarification on a data tool, share solutions you've come up with, etc.
 * At the top of this page, click on the **discussion** tab
 * In the **subject** box, please type your full name and the word "**introduction**"
 * In the **message** box, please include: your name, title, school district, and a brief description of your educational experiences.
 * You may also choose to share information about your knowledge of and prior use of PA's data tools.
 * Please also tell us what you hope to gain from participating in this workshop.
 * Click on **post** to submit your activity.

Activity 3: Post a reflection

 * At the end of the day, return to this space to post a reflection on your learning
 * Follow the same procedure for posting as you did in Activity 2
 * Click on the **discussion** tab
 * In the **subject** box, please type your full name, this time adding the word "**reflection**"
 * Discuss what you learned today, how it will impact the work that you do, any questions you still have about the tools shared with you today.
 * Click on **post** to submit your activity.

Activity 4: Read & Respond

 * As time allows, return to this space to read and respond to other's posts.
 * cClick on the **subject** hyperlink of the post you'd like to read and respond to (not on the person's name).
 * In the message box, type an appropriate response to the post.
 * Click on **post** to submit the activity.

Bonus Activity: Video
Learn more about what Wikis are, and what Wikis can do by watching the video below:

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