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Educators using Technology to Improve the Performance of Students (E-TIPS) FAQ

What is E-TIPS?

  • E-TIPS is --- a menu of training opportunities in accessible technology
  • E-TIPS is --- a way to recognize educators for excellence in teaching using the principles of universal design for learning
  • E-TIPS is --- a network of MCPS educators who support each other in the use of accessible technology by sharing electronic curriculum materials

What are E-TIPS Hours?

You earn one E-TIPS Hour for each hour of accessible technology training you attend from a menu of eligible classes. Eligible classes include some 3-hour workshops and some 15-hour CPD courses.

Do E-TIPS hours expire?

No.

Who is eligible to earn E-TIPS Hours?

All MCPS educators are eligible including general education teachers, special education teachers, ESOL teachers, specialists, paraeducators and therapists. E-Tips workshops are open to support staff members who work in the classroom or media center and to those who wish to acquire such a position. The emphasis in this training is using technology to help students succeed.

How do I become an E-TIPS educator?

By taking classes that are designated for E-TIPS Hours and then putting those strategies in action in your day to day work with students. E-TIPS educators share accessible curriculum materials with their colleagues and benefit from each others' experience. When you have completed 75 hours of training, you will receive special recognition as an E-TIPS educator.

What are the rules for earning CPD credit, stipend, and E-TIPS Hours and how do they overlap?

  • 3-hour E-TIPS workshops taught after school may be eligible for stipend pay. If you choose to receive stipend pay, you can still earn E-TIPS Hours. If you take an E-TIPS workshop during the school day, you cannot earn a stipend, but you can still earn E-TIPS hours.
  • E-TIPS workshops include class assignments. If you choose not to complete the assignment, you may earn a stipend, but not E-TIPS Hours.
  • Some 15-hour CPD courses are also designated as E-TIPS classes. They meet for 5 sessions of 3 hours each and earn 15 E-TIPS Hours as well as 1 MSDE credit.
  • CPD credit can be earned by MCPS professional staff only, but paraprofessionals enrolled in CPD courses that are also designated as E-TIPS classes may take the class for E-TIPS Hours instead. Professionals will be charged $50 to earn a CPD credit, but paraprofessionals taking the course for E-TIPS Hours will not be charged. However, paraprofessionals cannot earn a stipend for attending a CPD course.

Who offers these classes?

All HIAT courses and workshops are eligible for E-TIPS Hour. InterACT, the Office of Organizational Development, and the Technology Consulting Team also offer workshops that qualify for E-TIPS Hours.

How do I register for E-TIPS workshops?

All registration is through the PDO.

How do I find E-TIPS workshops?

To easily find classes that qualify for E-TIPS Hours, log into the PDO, type "tips" in the “Course Title” field, and click "Find Courses." Look on the HIAT training page for descriptions of all the classes taught by HIAT.

How is this different from technology training I have received in the past?

E-TIPS classes are not just how-to computer classes. They are at minimum 3 hour classes that focus on instructional strategies using technology to support all students. They give you a chance to network with other educators in MCPS and create and share electronic materials that support the MCPS curriculum.

What are the requirements for the assignment?

The instructor will provide you with an assignment to put what you have learned into practice. Depending on the time constraints and pace of the class, you may have time to work on your assignment before you leave the workshop. Send your assignment to the course instructor by the deadline (usually one week from the time of the class). Once your assignment has been received, you will receive E-TIPS hours.

Wow, but 75 hours sounds like a lot!

All good things require a concerted effort, but it all starts with one class. There's no time limit to accomplishing this. Just come to a class to learn and share your expertise with others.

I've already taken some technology classes. Have I already earned some E-TIPS Hours?

You have already earned E-TIPS Hours if you took CPD SA-85 or one of the following 3-hour workshops in July 2006 : Universal design for learning; Basic computer competencies for educators, or Writing strategies using Draft:Builder.

How can I keep track of the E-TIPS hours I have earned?

You can use this handy chart (pdf) to keep track of your hours, if you like. Your hours will be tracked by the HIAT office. If you have questions about your E-TIPS hours, you may e-mail Linda Wilson. Please include the dates and titles of the classes in question.

I still have questions. Who can I ask?

Email or call us at 301-657-4959.

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Updated November 5, 2007 | Maintained by by Linda Wilson