PDQuests

Unmet Need
The expansion of virtual education in kindergarten through grade 12 is spurred by nearly universal access to the internet, increasing recognition of the need to engage students as individuals, and the rapid proliferation of computer technologies. Virtual education models created or embraced by states, multi-school consortia and individual districts are widening access to more challenging courses, renewing opportunity for successful study by struggling students, and broadening access to a greater array of subjects for more students. Overall, the growth rate of K-12 virtual education has been rapid—about 30% a year for the past six years, according to iNACOL. Experts predict this pace will continue as new local and state initiatives take root and grow. Professional development for educators is a wide-open market in terms of need, potential growth and providers. Several factors in recent years have heightened the need and interest in this sector of preK-12 education: education reform, including the demands of ‘No Child Left Behind’, the rise of technology use in schools, and increased teacher turnover.

Technology Overview
PDQuests is designed to guide the learner through a well-defined, interactive process that includes protocols and processes for developing knowledge and acquiring specific skills related to teaching, leadership, and other content areas. PDQuests is a process for delivering content called the ‘Team-Based Cycle of Instruction’ specifically developed to integrate with online learning management systems, such as the JHU CTE (Center for Technology in Education).
 
Stage of Development
Over 600 teachers have been trained using PDQuest’s ‘Team-Based Cycle of Instruction’ process to acquire skills in Boundless Learning Co-Teaching practices. Evaluation results for students with disabilities in Boundless Learning Co-Teaching Program show improved attendance and achievement among students with disabilities whose teachers were trained with this program.
 
Publications
Mainzer, L.H., Castellani, J., Lowry, B., & Nunn, J. (2006). GLOBE Tech: Using technology to maximize classroom performance with team-based instruction. Technology in Action, 2(1), 1-11.
 
Mainzer, L.H. (2004). The GLOBETech Instructional Delivery System: Report on research and evaluation. (BL Monograph). Columbia, MD: Johns Hopkins University, Center for Technology in Education.
 

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