Alabaster City Schools Case Study
How it started
Alabaster City Schools initially leveraged MobileMind for Google Workspace for Education training aiming to help a portion of their educators prepare for Google Educator certifications. Additionally, the district used the learning hub for technology training the year after the pandemic while things were still stressful from their year of remote learning and teaching.
The district had just purchased a new Student Information System and new textbooks. Alabaster needed a way to offer training that teachers could complete at their own time and pace without adding to their stress. "MobileMind made it easier for them and us. We could quickly identify who needed support," explained Meagan Harbison, Instructional Technology Coach.
"With the transition to PowerSchool and a new grade book…I can’t say enough good things about MobileMind. Bite-sized learning allows our teachers to gain skills without feeling overwhelmed.”
MEAGAN HARBISON
Instructional Technology Coach
What PD looks like today
However, once the district saw the power of the learning hub in action, they knew they could use it for other training like PowerSchool, GoGuardian, building teacher websites, state-mandated training, and new teacher onboarding.
The team at Alabaster went to work creating micro-courses and learning paths on various training topics. Some of the topics Alabaster teachers can find in their learning hub are:
- PowerSchool
- Other edtech tools (GoGuardian, Smore, Google Classroom, HoverCam, etc.)
- Building teacher websites
- PowerTeacher Pro Gradebook
"MobileMind is great for new teachers. It keeps them from being overwhelmed by all of the new tools in our district," Meagan explained. The "tech-rich" district leverages the learning hub for new teachers and veteran teachers who need refreshers, "They can go in and learn what they need when they need it."
Alabaster also highlighted how their teachers enjoy using the app, allowing them to experience "learning on the go." "It allows them to get training while at their child's soccer practice. Teachers don't have to wait until they are at school - it's accessible anywhere."
"The challenges in MobileMind let teachers get experience firsthand and let us see where they are having trouble quickly," stated Craig Smith, Alabaster's newest Instructional Technology Coach and MobileMind Champion. "It helps teachers gain foundational knowledge and helps them get comfortable to ask better questions."
"MobileMind saves me a lot of time, especially as an Instructional Technology Coach."
MEAGAN HARBISON
Surprising uses
In 2019, Alabama signed the Computer Science for Alabama Act, which requires the state to develop career readiness pathways for secondary students. Alabaster City Schools allows high school students enrolled in the teaching career path to prepare for Google Education certifications using MobileMind. "Using MobileMind for secondary students has been amazing," Meagan declared.
When asked how they got their eight hundred teachers bought in and using the learning hub, Meagan quickly answered, "Goals and leaderboards." As an Instructional Tech Coach, she sets start and end dates for learning goals in the hub so that the teachers know when they are expected to complete the training.
The district also found that the learning hub helps their teachers feel less overwhelmed and has sparked some fun gamification and competition with leaderboards and digital badges. Craig plans on leading by example in his new role, as he has become a staple on Alabaster's leaderboards, "I want to improve myself, and that is exactly what MobileMind is good for," he explained.
Alabaster City Schools has significant plans for its future with MobileMind, including expanding its PowerSchool training and integrating in-person and remote training with Events.
"I want to improve myself, and that is exactly what MobileMind is good for."
CRAIG SMITH
Instructional Technology Coach
Key Numbers
as of September 18, 2023
340
digital badges earned
13,291
micro-courses completed
1,749
hours spent in MobileMind
216
courses created