Observation 360 1.5 Adds iPad Support, Notification Options

School Improvement Network has unveiled a new version of Observation 360, a teacher professional development tool that integrates with PD 360.

The tool provides suggested on-demand video training based on results from a teacher observation. PD 360 includes more than 1,500 videos on 97 topics focused on best practices and offer classroom examples. It also provides premium courses, which include interaction with experts during Webinars and question activities.

New features in Observation 360 Version 1.5 include:

  • iPad functionality, including selection, assigning, and viewing of pre-selected videos, preparing templates, and performing observations;
  • The ability to assign a date by which teachers would be required to watch videos;
  • The option to require up to three videos per question;
  • The choice whether to send notifications to teachers via e-mail or directly to PD 360;
  • The capability to turn off automatic upload; and
  • Automatic template confirming before the observation begins. Administrators can use a per-formatted template, or customize their own.

Using Observation 360, an administrator selects the template to be used for the observation, which includes a set of questions. During class, the administrator would observe and input comments for each question, then press save. The observation is then submitted and linked to PD 360, where teachers can view their observations and see what video segments are required for viewing. After the teacher watches the mandated videos, the administrator can do a second walkthrough and submit additional comments. In addition, teachers can look at charts to watch their progress from observation to observation.

Administrators can also use Observation 360 on iPhone, iPod touch, Android devices, and traditional desktop and laptop computers.

For more information, visit the School Improvement Network Web site.

About the Author

Tim Sohn is a 10-year veteran of the news business, having served in capacities from reporter to editor-in-chief of a variety of publications including Web sites, daily and weekly newspapers, consumer and trade magazines, and wire services. He can be reached at [email protected] and followed on Twitter @editortim.

Featured

  • AI toolbox containing a wrench, document icon, gears, and a network symbol

    Common Sense Media Releases Free AI Toolkit, AI Readiness & Implementation Guides

    Common Sense Media has developed an AI Toolkit for School Districts, available to educators free of charge, that provides guidelines and resources for implementing AI in education.

  • elementary school building with children outside, overlaid by a glowing data network and transparent graphs

    Toward a Holistic Approach to Data-Informed Decision-Making in Education

    With increasing access to data and powerful analytic tools, the temptation to reduce educational outcomes to mere numbers is strong. However, educational leadership demands a more holistic and thoughtful approach.

  • three silhouetted education technology leaders with thought bubbles containing AI-related icons

    Ed Tech Leaders Rank Generative AI as Top Tech Priority

    In a recent CoSN survey, an overwhelming majority of ed tech leaders (94%) said they see AI as having a positive impact on education. Respondents ranked generative AI as their top tech priority, with 80% reporting their districts have gen AI initiatives underway, or plan to in the current school year.

  • AI-powered individual working calmly on one side and a burnt-out person slumped over a laptop on the other

    AI's Productivity Gains Come at a Cost

    A recent academic study found that as companies adopt AI tools, they're not just streamlining workflows — they're piling on new demands. Researchers determined that "AI technostress" is driving burnout and disrupting personal lives, even as organizations hail productivity gains.