TOPSpro Web-based Training Report

Barbara Rolston and Lee Bounds

CASAS has outlined a Certification process for the TOPSpro Certified Trainer similar to the CASAS Implementation Trainer classification. The TOPSpro training certification consists of four levels and is classified as follows:

Level A   Local TOPSpro Facilitator
Level B   State Level Trainer
Level C   State Level Trainer of Trainers
Level D   National Trainer

The immediate need is to develop courses for Levels A and B TOPSpro training for beginning and intermediate users. The following three courses were identified. Our first meeting concentrated on TOPSpro BASICS and also identified the modules for Beyond the Basics and Special Topics. The general topics for the first two courses are similar but go into more depth for the Beyond the Basics. See Table for relationship.

Course One -- TOPSpro BASICS (Beginning TOPSpro user)
Course Two -- BEYOND the BASICS (Intermediate user)
Course Three -- SPECIAL TOPICS (Specific to states and/or programs)

 TOPSpro BASICS BEYOND THE BASICS SPECIAL TOPICS
INTRODUCTION Module 1: Prerequisites Module 1: Review of BASICS
  • Query Maker
  • 3rd Party Importing
  • Proxy
  • Info Icon
  • Iowa Certificates
  • CAL Benchmarks
  • Federal Tables
  • Scanning
  • Error Logs
INSTALL Module 2: Installation
Module 3: Navigation
Module 4: Set-Up
DATA Module 5: Input Module 2: Repairing Database Records
MAINTENANCE Module 6: Edit Data Module 3: Updating Cleaning Databases
REPORTS Module 7: Generate Reports
Module 8: Report Analysis		 Module 4: Report Analysis
Module 5: Data Analysis
TROUBLE SHOOTING Module 9: Simple Trouble Shooting Module 6: Trouble Shooting
TESTING Module 10: Check your knowledge and understanding Module 7: Check your understanding

TOPSpro BASICS will provide the information necessary for a beginning user to input and edit data in order to produce reports for teachers and administrators. The self-paced Quickstart Tutorial follows completion of this course. Completion of these two parts will give the beginning user the fundamentals necessary to begin using TOPSpro.

The TOPSpro BASICS course will be developed using Macromedia's Dreamweaver and Coursebuilder for web-based or CBT delivery. The course will be self-paced and accessible from the CASAS website. As an alternative delivery method, the design of the course will also lend itself to be presented by an instructor in a computer lab setting.

To the greatest extent possible we will incorporate interactive learning activities into the training. For example, the user will be asked to identify a specific action with the mouse. Upon selecting an action, the user will be provided with feedback on their selection. Incorrect selections will prompt user with hints for the proper selection.

In order for the learner to measure their mastery of the subject, there will be interactive quizzes at the end of each lesson or module. The quizzes will be designed to provide the learner with immediate feedback and will identify any areas that need to be reviewed before proceeding to the next module.



TOPSpro BASICS - COURSE OUTLINE

COURSE OBJECTIVE:

After successfully completing this course you will be able to input and edit data in order to produce reports for instructor or administrator use.

PREREQUISITES:

Basic computer literacy including use of mouse.
Basic knowledge of the Microsoft Windows environment
Internet access
Completion of TOPSpro Overview (PowerPoint presentation to be developed by CASAS)

MODULE 1 - INTRODUCTION

Learner Objectives:

  • Identify the purpose and function of TOPSpro software
  • Identify how a database is structured
  • Show the relationship of records and forms used in TOPSpro
    LESSON 1: Overview of TOPSpro
    LESSON 2: Purpose of TOPSpro
    LESSON 3: What is a database and what do I need to know?
    LESSON 4: Relationships of Records within TOPSpro

MODULE 2 - INSTALLATION

Learner Objectives:

  • Install the TOPSpro software
  • Complete the TOPSpro Install Wizard
  • Install the Quick Start Tutorial
  • Identify the location of TOPSpro resource information
    LESSON 1: Hardware requirements
    LESSON 2: Software Install Shield
    LESSON 3: TOPSpro Wizard Install
    LESSON 4: Install Quick Start tutorial
    LESSON 5: Locating resource material

MODULE 3 - NAVIGATION

Learner Objectives:

  • Identify the methods for navigating the TOPSpro menu
  • Navigate the TOPSpro menu options confidently using any of the available methods.
  • Recognize the function the Tool Bar icons
    LESSON 1: Navigate using mouse and drop down menus and submenus
    LESSON 2: Navigate using ALT plus underline key
    LESSON 3: Navigate using TOPSpro Explorer
    LESSON 4: Tool Bar icons
    LESSON 5: Three ways to close a window

MODULE 4 - SET-UP

Learner Objectives:

  • Locate the TOOLS/OPTIONS window
  • Identify the purpose of each option and the effect on TOPSpro data
    LESSON 1: Provider Tab
    LESSON 2: Defaults
    LESSON 3: Scanning
    LESSON 4: Required Fields
    LESSON 5: Edit Options
    LESSON 6: Reports

MODULE 5 - INPUT

Learner Objectives:

  • Identify how a database is structured
  • Understand the relationships that are inherent in a database and specific to TOPSpro
  • Identify ways that data can be entered into TOPSpro
    LESSON 1: Database structure (info in a table comes from a record)
    LESSON 2: Entering data by scanning
    LESSON 3: Entering data manually (specifically batch repair)
    LESSON 4: Kinds of records

MODULE 6 - EDIT DATA

Learner Objectives:

  • Locate and identify required fields and understand their impact on a database
  • Understand the difference between valid/invalid records
  • Understand the difference between complete/incomplete records
  • Use override scanning to speed up scanning process
    LESSON 1: What is a required field?
    LESSON 2: Valid/invalid records
    LESSON 3: Complete/incomplete records
    LESSON 4: Using override scanning

MODULE 7 - GENERATE REPORTS

Learner Objectives:

  • Understand how reports are used
  • Create a report
  • Interpret the symbols on a report
  • Identify common errors that may occur
    LESSON 1: What are Records for?
    LESSON 2: Create a report
    LESSON 3: Reading symbols generated on a report
    LESSON 4: Common problems and why they occur

MODULE 8 - REPORT ANALYSIS

Learner Objectives:

  • Create the most commonly used reports
  • Interpret the results of the most commonly used reports
    LESSON 1: Common reports requested by teachers and administrators
    LESSON 2: Analyze reports.

MODULE 9 - TROUBLE SHOOTING & RESOURCES

Learner objectives:

  • Trouble shoot the most common occurring errors.
  • Locate resources for troubleshooting and help.
    LESSON 1: Common errors
    LESSON 2: Locating resources

MODULE 10 - TESTING

Learner objectives:

  • Test knowledge of TOPSpro software
  • Take corrective action on data entry errors
    LESSON 1: Installation and Setup
    LESSON 2: Data entry and repair
    LESSON 3: Report generation
    LESSON 4: Troubleshooting
    LESSON 5: Help and other resources


INITIAL DEVELOPMENT TASKS:

We've identified the following tasks to begin to address building up skills on Dreamweaver and TOPSpro softwares for both myself and Lee Bounds. The elements of the web-based delivery system are important and can be developed as we progress. The context and content will be developed as we begin work on the overall design of the training.

  1. Develop Course Framework - Information related to the course that that does not teach subject matter of the course but covers routine parts of the course.
    • Course Description - details about the course
    • Course Specification - length, important characteristics
    • Prerequisites - prior knowledge/skills
    • Style of Instruction - describes how the learners will learn
    • Technical requirements
    • Objectives page
    • Sponsoring organization/links
    • Information regarding what is monitored or recorded
    • Copyright

  2. Registration Information - Accessible through CASAS web site TOPSpro user groups.

  3. Identify the structure and appearance of the course to maintain consistency throughout the modules. Consider a metaphor approach to help people apply a real world situation in order to navigate the WBT course and to add to a unified appearance and organization.

  4. Identify ways to collaborate online during the development process.

  5. Test the course contents using both skilled and unskilled TOPSpro users.

  6. Preview pilot web-based training at February ICN meeting




December 19, 2000