Flex Learning Curriculum

1. Flex Learning Curriculum Training of Facilitators

2. Facilitator information • Anthony Petrarca, National CASA Training Director anthonyp@casaforchildren.org • Terene Bennett, National CASA Training Specialist tereneb@casaforchildren.org

3. Blended learning design Online Learning, Discussion & Activities WHY ME??? Case Studies Podcasts Video

4. adult learning principles • Safety and Respect • Accountability • Task and Process Maintenance • Dialogue • Affirmation

5. Learning management system: Moodle

6. Are you ready? • Complete Program Readiness Assessment • Prepare prospective volunteers of what to expect of the FLC during the volunteer interview • Print Facilitator & Volunteer Manuals • Create Training Schedule -Designate a day that Moodle activities/homework will be due -Designate dates on your schedule to review discussion board posts, provide feedback, and encouragement -You can choose to inform your trainees of the dates/times when you will be online for live interaction • Submit Training Request to National CASA -Submit request 2-3 months in advance -Keep training size to 10-15 participants -Pay $75 fee -Send list of participants -Give yourself 1-2 weeks to play in Moodle before inviting students in -This will allow you to upload documents, review content, etc. (court report and other templates, handouts)

7. Technical specifications

8. Navigating Moodle • To upload documents, make additions to the course activities, add events on the calendar you will need to log in to Moodle and click “Turn Editing On” • Once you click, “Turn Editing On”, you can scroll to the section where you want to make changes

9. uploading content • As the facilitator, you will have an option to “Add a Resource” (content) or “Add an Activity” (forum, chat, quiz, etc.) • To “Add a Resource” click file on the drop down menu and upload the document, enter specifications, then select “Save & Return to Course” when finished. • To “Add an Activity” click the type of activity in the drop down menu, add specifications, then select “Save & Return to Course” when finished. • When finished uploading content/activities, select “Turn Editing Off”

10. On your mark, get set, • Before the first session you will have time to log on to Moodle, upload documents if necessary, and review content for accuracy. (TIP: To prepare volunteers for documenting case contacts, upload your monthly report form and ask participants to keep track of the time they spend online) • When you are ready to start, make sure that your participants have a copy of the Volunteer Manual • Send an introductory email to your participants, include their username, password, and direct them to become familiar with Moodle by reviewing the section on the welcome page titled: “What You Need to Know” • This section will introduce participants to many important topics such as how to navigate through Moodle, parking lot, community resources, etc.

11. Proceed to go!

12. orientation • Overview of the FLC • Training Schedule • Activities & Deadlines • Interacting Online (Guidelines) • Expectations (CASA Competencies) • Technical Difficulty & Resolutions • Other topics for your local program

13. facilitating online dialogue Your Role as Facilitator: Monitor online activities & discussions Set aside time each day to check in on the discussion forums Ask clarifying questions Ask participants to “dig deep” Check for CASA Competencies Be available for questions and technical difficulty! Deep Thoughts

14. Online facilitation • To begin facilitating Session 1, turn to page 2 of the Facilitator Manual • Review the Online Facilitation Tips/Prep/Facilitator Involvement • As the facilitator, you want to lead a great example and be the first to post an introduction in Activity 1.1 • Make sure to designate time in your schedule to review the introductory posts of volunteers and thank them for joining CASA • Join the discussion on the other online activities, provide feedback, answer questions, encourage participation. • Send reminders to volunteers who might be slow starters or who might have forgotten to complete certain sections • Remind everyone about your first in-person session (date, time, location, etc.)

15. In-person preparation • To prepare for the first in-person session, review the Facilitator Manual (page 27) Advance Prep & Supplies • If you haven’t already done so, make sure that all new participants have completed the online activities • Review posts in the discussion forums, provide feedback, and remind participants to complete activities • Bring copies of your local mandated reporter laws and procedures, court report template, monthly report forms, etc. • If you choose to supplement the material, make sure to stay track of your time!

16. In-person facilitation • Encourage participants to start to put questions in the forum for the Experienced Volunteer Panel. • Check the Parking Lot for questions and make sure to answer them in a timely manner • Make sure to have Case Studies materials printed • Consider supplementing the material with a video and/or guest speaker • Remind participants about the online activities, deadlines & expectations • Provide an overview of what’s coming up in the next section • Continue to follow the facilitator instructions in the manual for each in-person activity. • Be mindful of the fact that for your first in-person session, the discussion might be intriguing and time might get away from you. • Create ground rules/group agreements regarding time. • Manage the discussion by referring participants to the Parking Lot in the room and/or online. • Encourage participants to continue the discussion in upcoming activities online and in-person.

17. Redd case prep • Introduce how to do a Genogram in Session 4 or earlier • Register participants on the National CASA e-Learning site to have access to complete the Redd Case (detailed instructions available) • Provide local court report template with suggested time frames/limits for each section • Walk-through (or review) Redd case prior to online & in-person Session 5 • Review case progress (participants case notes) through e-Learning site • Offer general suggestions or guidance in online forum to encourage and strengthen participants completion of case study

18. Redd case feedback • Instruct volunteers to email the completed report to you • Review submitted reports on Redd Court Report • Take time to offer suggestions and improvements to the CASA Report - similar to a typical report review process – for each participant • Be sure to give praise and encouragement • Bring all reports to in-person class for distribution and discussion • Share overall comments and areas for improvement • Allow time for question and answer

19. Prep for experienced volunteer panel • Recruit 2 – 4 experienced volunteers to participate • Solicit questions online from participants for the Volunteer Panel • Prep experienced volunteers with questions from group and overall suggested topic areas • Facilitator Tips: • Guide the discussion using Q & A • Use interview format to avoid one person monopolizing time or off topic discussions • Ask questions to get back on track

20. Volunteer evaluation • How do you define success for CASA Volunteers? • Foundations of Knowledge • Cultural Competence • Initiative • Communication • Assertiveness • Sound Judgment

21. In-person wrap up:review local procedures Be sure to allow time for: • Local case documentation and record-keeping procedures and requirements • Review case assignment process • Review policies & procedures manual • Discuss continuing education and upcoming important dates • What’s next? • Details for swearing-in • Staff assignment • Training wrap-up & celebration

22. How did we do?

23. testimonials

24. Flex learning curriculum site

25. For more information • Anthony Petrarca, National CASA Training Director anthonyp@casaforchildren.org • Terene Bennett, National CASA Training Specialist tereneb@casaforchildren.org

26. Special thanks