ATI Online: Techniques of Video Production

This course from Arkansas Technology Institute (ATI) Online teaches participants the basics of camera operation. It addresses beginning production and camera skills in three parts – Shot Composition, Basic Camera Setup and Operation, and Lighting. Arkansas Educational Television Network (AETN) Producer, Amy Waller demonstrates lighting techniques, how to use microphones, and various types of camera shots to be used for basic filming.

ATI Online: Editing Techniques - Things We've All Learned the Hard Way

This course provides the novice learner with basic video editing techniques and concepts. The lessons in this course will provide teachers with knowledge of how to prepare and to use video footage. The goal of this course is for teachers to be able to develop, and then implement, technology-based projects and lesson plans in the classroom.

This Editing Techniques course was previously taught and recorded during the week-long Arkansas Technology Institute in the Arkansas Educational Television Network laboratory and studios. Bruce Rodtnick, producer with the AETN Education Division, skillfully guides the novice teacher through this basic editing process. Former ATI graduates are encouraged to take this editing course as a refresher.

ATI Online: Introduction to PowerPoint

This course provides a basic overview of using Microsoft Office PowerPoint to bring technology into the classroom in order to engage students in daily lessons. Teachers will learn how to create a presentation with images and video clips.

Please note that this course was designed as a training for Microsoft Office PowerPoint 2007. If you are using an older or newer version, some of the buttons and commands may be different.

PBS KIDS ScratchJr: Coding for Early Childhood

PBS KIDS ScratchJr is a free app that introduces young students to principles of programming and gets kids excited about coding. Using PBS KIDS ScratchJr, students age five to eight use block coding along with familiar PBS KIDS cartoon characters to meet challenges and tell animated stories of their own. This course features a professional development seminar on the development, use, and classroom implementation of PBS KIDS ScratchJr. Presented by Aaron Morris (Senior Content Manager, PBS KIDS), the seminar also includes ideas about and materials for creating a "coder camp" for kids. This course also features Amy Routt (Early Childhood Education Specialist, AETN) and her demonstration PBS KIDS ScratchJr lesson to help illustrate the teaching techniques described in the seminar.

While it is not necessary to have access to PBS KIDS ScratchJr to complete this course, it would be helpful to download the app and follow along with the activities in the seminar and the sample lesson on your own device.

The seminar in this course was recorded at the Pine Bluff School District Central Office in Pine Bluff, Arkansas on May 25, 2016. The sample lesson in this course was recorded at AETN Studios in Conway, Arkansas on June 22, 2016.

Professional Licensure Standards Board (PLSB): Social Media Guidelines

In this course, renowned author, attorney, computer forensic specialist, and social media expert Frederick S. Lane discusses several social media pitfalls, including the difficulties of merging the professional and personal lives of an educator and the dangers that students often face online. There are many obstacles present when navigating the often-ambiguous and ever-evolving social norms of online communications. Mr. Lane provides educators with practical tips for communicating professionally while simultaneously advocating for an adequate cyberethics policy in their schools. 

This course was recorded on July 8, 2014 in the AETN studies in Conway, Arkansas.

Professional Licensure Standards Board (PLSB): Digital Citizenship Curricula K-12

This course is designed to discuss the use of technology in all grades beginning in pre-kindergarten and continuing until the end of high school. All students will be using technology from now until the end of their lifetime. Author, attorney, and educational consultant Frederick Lane explains how to instruct students to use technology in an appropriate way that will support their becoming valuable citizens. 

This course was recorded on July 8, 2014 at the AETN Studios.

The Status of Computer Science in Arkansas

Arkansas is one of the leading states when it comes to computer science education. Mr. Anthony Owen, Coordinator of Computer Science for the Arkansas Department of Education, presents an overview of developing K-12 computer science education standards and courses. He also discusses how teachers can best prepare themselves for teaching up-to-date computer science and promoting digital literacy.

This course was recorded at the Arkansas Association of Middle Level Education Conference in Hot Springs, Arkansas on April 5, 2016.

Micro:Bit in the Library

Micro:Bit in the Library may serve as an alternative to the face-to-face training required for K-8 Library Media Specialists who wish to receive the micro:bit kit through ADE. Although only K-8 Library Media Specialists are eligible to apply for the micro:bit kit, this course is a great resource for any educator who is interested in learning how to use the BBC micro:bit in the classroom. 

In this course, Tammy Glass, Leslie Savall, and Kelly Griffin, three computer science specialists for the state of Arkansas, provide training on the use of the BBC micro:bit. The specialists begin by sharing some background information on computer programming and explaining why Arkansas is known as the leading state in computer science education. Ms. Glass and Ms. Griffin provide tutorials on handling the micro:bit safely, on coding programs for the micro:bit using Microsoft's MakeCode Blocks Editor, and on uploading programs to the device itself. The MakeCode Blocks Editor contains an emulator, making it easy to work along with the tutorials even without access to a micro:bit. The specialists also discuss lessons that use children's literature and the micro:bit to embed computer science across the curriculum. Projects presented within this course address literacy, math and science concepts, data collection, coding, computational thinking, and problem solving.

Micro:Bit in the Library was recorded on February 8th, 2018 at AETN studios in Conway, Arkansas.

Computer Science Initiative - Overview

This course is an overview of the Arkansas Computer Science Initiative. Anthony Owen, State Director of Computer Science Education, and panel members, Russellville Superintendent Dr. Mark Gotcher, Lake Hamilton 8-12 Computer Science Teacher Karma Turner, and Bryant K-12 Science Specialist Greg Wertenberger discuss the need for an appropriate computer science education. They explain the responsibilities of districts, schools, and teacher licensure requirements, discussing the opportunities presented by the CS Flex Credit and Completer Pathways. Diversity in computer science is a key area for growth in our state and across the nation, and the panel shares information regarding the wealth of resources available to help build a strong, diverse computer science program.

Computer Science Initiative - Overview, which was recorded at AETN studios in Conway, Arkansas on April 4, 2018, is a pre-requisite training required for many state provided face-to-face computer science professional development offerings. If required for face-to-face trainings, it will be listed in the registration description and/or an email notification of that requirement will be sent to all registered participants.

Coding Block: Exploring the Basics

What is computational thinking? What are algorithms and programs? What tools are out there that can help me teach these concepts? These are questions you may be asking yourself if you are new to teaching computer science. Exploring the Basics is the first course in a three-part series intended to provide teachers of the seventh and eighth grade coding block with essential information regarding relevant computer science standards and programming skills. In this course, you will join Zack Spink, Computer Science Specialist for the state of Arkansas, in exploring the fundamental basics of computer programming.

In Coding Block: Exploring the Basics, Mr. Spink defines several content-specific terms and discusses things to consider when choosing the tools students will use in class. He also provides a brief tutorial for using JavaScript within Pencil Code, a free, browser-based programming environment. This course is intended for teachers who are new to the concepts of computer programming.