Blossom Learning Course Review

[Matt Granger]

I had the opportunity to preview the Applied Smart Board Course from Blossom Learning. I found it very easy to use. Simply log in with the email that was used to purchase the course and click "Launch." There are 8 chapters. Each chapter has a 5-10 minute video (I never timed them) and a 10 question chapter assessment. If you don't get 80% on the assessment you'll have to do the assessment again. It would be nice if there was a link from the wrong answer to a clip of the video with the information. They do, however, have a box that tells the information.

What's nice about the chapters is that all of the information and techniques of using the Notebook software are embedded in the context of lessons. In other words, you'll learn to use the board and software to create lessons and teach kids. That's why they call it the Applied Smart Board Course; you'll apply the informations in lessons.

This course is designed for the beginner. It starts with the basics and gets into creating interactive lessons at the end. There is also a chapter that includes the video recorder and video player (PC only). There was not much for advanced users. But that's not what it was designed for.

If I had to provide training for a group of teachers who had just gotten boards, I would definitely use this course. The tech coordinator would assign the courses to the teacher email addresses. From within the site, the coordinator can track progress of the participants from one easy screen. You'll see the percent of the course completed for each participant. Then I would be there to provide follow up and answer questions.

The price is right for individual users. At only $70, it's reasonable enough for someone to purchase it for their self. Bulk pricing is lower, but I don't know any more about that.

I have 20 free courses from Blossom learning to distribute through this site. Like I described above, it is valuable for new users. So...the first 20 new users whose profiles show that they are new users OR tech directors, ICT coaches, etc who would like to preview the course as a way of determining whether they would like to purchase them that contact me at mgranger114 on twitter or through a message to me from the ning can have the courses. Thanks, Mrs. Blossom.

[Shelli Campeau]

Hi Matt,
If you have any spots in the smart board course left, I would love it. I teach kindergarten and will have access to a smart board next year. Please let me know. Thanks. Shelli

[lilly r sanchez]

Hi Math I would like to get the free courses from Blossom learning that you talked about it , if you still have one available
Thanks

[Matt Granger]

Two left as of 4/26. Those of you that I've assigned, use the email from Blossom Learning to access the course if you haven't yet.

[Matcam]

Hi Matt:

If you still have a copy of the Blossom course, I could really use it.

Thanks and great site.

[L Fish]

If it's not too late, I would also love to get a copy of this course. I work at a middle school as the Educational Technologist and provide training to the teachers. This would be very helpful.

[Matt Granger]

I still have about 6. Sheri, I'll get it out to the email you used to register for the ning.

[Sheri Vasinda]

Have you distributed all your 20 free courses? I am a third grade teacher piloting the SMART Board for our district and need some professional development!

[Matt Granger]

I just need an email address Michelle.

[Michelle Mandley]

If you still have courses available I would love to preview one! I often hold SMART trainings for all levels of use and this is something that may be beneficial to our district.

[Matt Granger]

I just need an email address, Marty.