PSAP Training Events Around the Province

This spring, school districts around the province hosted training events which focused on software they had acquired through the SET-BC Provincial Software Acquisition Plan (PSAP). Coordinated by the districts' SET-BC District Partner and supported by the regional SET-BC consultants, teams gathered in their districts for day long training on a variety of software titles including Kurzweil 3000, Clicker 4, Balanced Literacy, Simon Sounds It Out, Wordmaker, and SOLO.

The training series kicked off in early February in Kamloops with sessions also being hosted in Squamish, Surrey, Coquitlam, Saanich, Cowichan, and Richmond. More days are scheduled for Maple Ridge, North Vancouver, and Abbotsford.  Each day provides participants with direct software instruction, hands on exploration of the programs using the PSAP mobile lab, and group discussion of classroom implementation strategies.  Some districts have also hosted a "Train the Trainer" type of session for team members who will be taking a lead role in implementing the software in their schools.

PSAP training in the districts will continue through May. If you would like information on workshops that may be scheduled in your district, please contact your SET-BC District Partner. In addition, school based teams who are implementing PSAP software can take advantage of the numerous online training opportunities described in the PSAP area of our website.

Participants enjoy the format of the workshops and the opportunity to apply what they were learning during the sessions. Comments have included…

"I loved the hands on opportunities. I learned way more than expected."

"Because I haven’t used Kurzweil before I found this was a great intro!  There are many applications that I can see with this program - exciting!"

"I liked having time to check out software - enjoyed the quick tips!"

The participants also found the discussion and activities based on specific classroom implementation of the software helpful…

"There are more ways to integrate this assistive technology than I realized (for LD, low incidence, as well as gifted students)."

These workshops are only possible through the help and coordination of the SET-BC District Partners – thanks to all who have organized and facilitated these training days!