Web-based vs Hard Copy Materials

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Subject: [ProfessionalDevelopment] hard copies
From: jataylor jataylor at utk.edu
Date: Thu Feb 2 08:43:38 EST 2006

Hi All
We've touched briefly on hybrid models of PD as George has described, and alternative delivery methods, as Jeff noted being one of Ohio's initiatives. California noted online PD initiatives, such as repurposing face to face workshops to online venues. Tennessee (where I'm from), also offers several online PD options. However, I have a much more basic question for both guests and list subscribers. I'm wondering:

Does your state PD system participate in creating hard copy publications or other hard copy PD reading packets? Have you been shifting toward Web-based publications (or other Web-based reading materials)? Do you still see a need for hard copies, and if so why?

>From your perspective (teachers and professional development staff), are we going to reach a point where we no longer mail paper copies of materials that are available online? (...should we?)

lots of questions..Jackie

Subject [ProfessionalDevelopment] hard copies
From: Wendi Maxwell WMaxwell at cde.ca.gov
Date: Thu Feb 2 13:48:14 EST 2006

In California we do as much as possible online - thanks in large part to our wonderful technology infrastructure. Here are some examples of how we use both hard copy and online materials.

1. Several years ago we translated our WIA grant applications into an online submission. (Thank you OTAN!) Budgets are filled out online and submitted electronically. As much as possible, all those types of reporting structures are paperless.
2. All our leadership projects (CALPRO, OTAN, CASAS, and CA Distance Learning Project) conduct online surveys to determine practitioner needs, evaluate progress, etc. (CALPRO's annual PD needs assessment is currenlty available at www.calpro-online.org if you want to take a look.)
3. When consultants from the state office hold regional meetings, the materials are sent out in advance via email. Participants can print them if they like.
4. Guides, research summary publications, handbooks, etc. are all available online. People can print them if they like. We also mail hard copies to targeted audiences when the documents are first released -this ensures people know the materials are available, let's them know the materials are important, and serves as a marketing tool.
5. Participants in workshops typically receive hard copies of the materials, but occasionally we provide materials on CD instead. We have not yet evolved a standard on this.
6. Trainers receive a binder with hard copy lesson plan materials when they attend their training-for-trainers event. Thereafter, the lesson plans, handouts, etc. are available online for all the trainers. Professional Development Center managers also receive all these materials on CD.

I think that hard copies serve multiple purposes. As noted above, they are a good marketing tool. People enjoy receiving a well-designed and nicely printed document. They will save it.

On a more subtle level, hard copy documents can also fit into the category of "artifacts" and are a strong tool for establishing a culture. People save the document, remember the event where they received the document, remember how they felt, and are reminded of promises they made to themselves about things they learned, new things they want to try, etc. Having these documents on your desk or bookshelf is also a way of identifying yourself as someone who knows or believe certain things. By identifying those documents that are most important to have - especially most important to have in hard copy - we are also defining the knowledge that is most important for people to have.

Wendi Maxwell

Subject: [ProfessionalDevelopment] hard copies
From: Dlhargrove@aol.com Dlhargrove at aol.com
Date: Fri Feb 3 13:31:53 EST 2006

In addressing Jackie's question:
Does your state PD system participate in creating hard copy publications or other hard copy PD reading packets? Have you been shifting toward Web-based publications (or other Web-based reading materials)? Do you still see a need for hard copies, and if so why?

I can share with you that in Florida, training facilitators DO create hard copy publications, as we have many rural areas that still lack (believe it or not) access to even broadband Internet access. We have been offering some PD publications and training materials on the web for those who have access, however, and both still appear to be needed in our state.

Deb Hargrove
Florida TechNet

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