Training Model
Thinkfinity.org uses a train-the-trainer model that consists of two types of trainers within a state-based network: Field Trainers and Certified Trainers.
Field Trainers are educators who have been trained to deliver Thinkfinity Training to other educators to help them integrate Thinkfinity resources into the curriculum to enhance student learning.
Certified Trainers are educators who not only have been trained to deliver Thinkfinity Training to other educators, but have also received additional training allowing them to train new Field Trainers. Certified Trainers are the top-tiered trainers within a State Training Network and are recertified annually to ensure they are up to date with the Thinkfinity program and resources. In summary, Field Trainers are qualified to train educators whereas Certified Trainers received additional training qualifying them to train educators AND Field Trainers.
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Training Qualifications
To become a Thinkfinity Field Trainer or Certified Trainer, certain qualifications must be met. Trainers must remain current and active with the Thinkfinity.org program in order to maintain their trainer status.
To become a Field Trainer
An educator must successfully complete a Thinkfinity Train-the-Trainer session (TRN-1) conducted by a Certified Trainer or a National Thinkfinity Trainer.
To maintain Field Trainer status
Field Trainers must conduct at least one official* Thinkfinity Training for at least 5 total attendees (can be in multiple sessions), and receive a survey average** of at least 4.0 out of 5.0 within the previous 12 months to be considered "active."
To become a Certified Trainer
An educator must successfully complete each of the following steps in order to qualify as a Thinkfinity Certified Trainer:
- Become a Thinkfinity Field Trainer
Participate in both Thinkfinity Trainer Sessions: TRN-1 (Basic) and TRN-2 (Advanced).
- Demonstrate Outstanding Training Skills as a Field Trainer
After completing TRN-2, successfully deliver at least two official* sessions to a minimum total of 10 teachers and earn a survey average** of at least 4.5 out of 5.0 for each session.
- Become a Certified Trainer Candidate
Participate in the 2-day Certified Trainer Workshop (TCT-1 and TCT-2)
- Demonstrate Exemplary Training Skills as a Certified Trainer Candidate to earn Certification
Within the 12-month period following the Certified Trainer Workshop, deliver at least 3 official* Thinkfinity training sessions to a minimum total of 30 teachers or trainers and earn a survey average** of at least 4.5 on a 5.0 scale for each session.
To maintain Certified Trainer status
- Certified Trainers must attend recertification training (TCT-R) within 12 months of the date of TCT-2 training (not within one year from the day certification was earned) or within 12 months of the date of the last year's recertification training. TCT-R is a three-hour Web Conferencing session, conducted quarterly.
- Certified Trainers must conduct at least 3 official* trainings to at least 30 total attendees, receiving a survey average** of at least 4.5 for each training in the 12 months following the most recent TCT-R session.
Additional Information* Official trainings are defined as Awareness Sessions, TCH-P, TCH-C, TRN-1, or TRN-2 sessions that have the following components:
- Trainer has Registered the session.
- Attendees have completed the Roster.
- Attendees have completed the Survey.
- Trainer has completed the Trainer Follow-up Form.
** Training Session Survey Averages
To meet the minimum requirements for the training session survey average for Field Trainers, the rate the overall training and rate the trainer scores for the session must each be at least 4.0 out of 5.
To meet the minimum requirements for training session survey average for Certified Trainer candidates and Certified Trainer recertification, the rate the overall training and rate the trainer scores for the session must each be at least 4.5 out of 5.
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Training Curriculum
Thinkfinity's training curriculum consists of four Training Session types that are intended for two different user-type groups, plus an Awareness Session. The user-types for Training Sessions include 1) end users (educators who want to use Thinkfinity with students), 2) trainers (educators who wish to become Thinkfinity trainers).
End-User Training Sessions
The two Training Session types for end user are:
- Thinkfinity Comprehensive Session (TCH-C)
- Thinkfinity Specialty Session (TCH-P)
Both session types focus on locating appropriate Thinkfinity resources and integrating them into the K-12 curriculum to enhance student learning.
The Comprehensive Session (TCH-C) provides training on the complete Thinkfinity program for K-12 educators and pre-service faculty and students. Participants will learn about each of the Content Partners and the resources they provide and will be introduced to several strategies for locating Thinkfinity resources. Additionally, Thinkfinity.org's Integration Framework will be used to guide participants through development of an Integration Plan to enhance student learning using one or more Thinkfinity resources.
The Specialty Session (TCH-P) is highly customized to meet the specific needs of the session participants according to content area, grade level, educational focus, or educational role. Based on the customization elements, only the most applicable parts of Thinkfinity will be covered in a Specialty Session.
For more information on end-user sessions, please use the links below to access the full session descriptions.
Train-the-Trainer Sessions
The two Training Session types for potential Field Trainers are:
- Thinkfinity Train-the-Trainer Basic (TRN-1)
- Thinkfinity Train-the-Trainer Advanced (TRN-2)
The Basic Trainer Session (TRN-1) provides all of the information necessary for an educator with no prior experience with Thinkfinity to become proficient with the K-12 and adult and family literacy resources, integration of resources, Thinkfinity's end-user training curriculum, and the training resources that Thinkfinity offers. Successful completion of this session will award educators Field Trainer status.
The Advanced Trainer Session (TRN-2) provides participants with additional time for investigation of resources and collaboration with colleagues. Discussion and exploration of specific training strategies is included in this session as well. Participants will also begin to develop their own Thinkfinity training plan. Successful completion of this session will satisfy the first requirement for those who wish to become a Certified Trainer.
For more information on Train-the-Trainer sessions, please use the links below to access the full session descriptions.
Awareness Sessions
Awareness Sessions are 90 minutes or less and may be delivered as a hands-on session or presentation style. The session will provide a basic overview of Thinkfinity and its Content Partners, the educational resources available, and the professional development program. This session is appropriate for all audience types, including but not limited to educators, parents, administrators, and afterschool program staff.
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Thinkfinity Training Delivery Methods
Webinar
A webinar is a live, interactive session, delivered via the Internet and a telephone connection. Webinars allow educators to participate in training from their schools or homes, as long as the basic technical requirements are met.
Technical Requirements
- Attendees should be proficient in basic Internet and computer skills.
- Attendees must have separate telephone and Internet lines.
- Attendees should have a high-speed Internet connection.
- A hands-free phone or speakerphone is recommended.
- Cellular telephones are not recommended.
- Attendee computers must have at least 256k of RAM.
- Download the following plug-ins: QuickTime, Flash, Adobe Acrobat Reader, Shockwave, and JAVA prior to the session.
- The Plug-In page provides a description of these plug-ins as well as links to installation information.
- Recommended Browsers:
To learn more about and/or register for a Thinkfinity Webinar, please visit the Free Training page. International attendees, please contact us us for additional information before registering for a Webinar session.
Online Courses
Online courses are asynchronous and delivered via the Internet, which allows users to complete course work anytime, anywhere with an Internet connection.
There are two types of online courses: self-paced and facilitated. Self-paced courses have a start and end date, but no other intermediary due dates for assignments. Facilitated courses have weekly due dates for assignments and discussion boards.
Technical Requirements
- Attendees should be proficient in basic Internet and computer skills.
- Attendees should have a high-speed Internet connection.
- Attendee computers must have at least 256k of RAM.
- Download the following plug-ins: QuickTime, Flash, Adobe Acrobat Reader, Shockwave, and JAVA prior to the session.
- The Plug-In page provides a description of these plug-ins as well as links to installation information.
- Recommended Browsers:
- Windows XP:
- Microsoft Internet Explorer version 6, Microsoft Internet Explorer version 7, Mozilla Firefox 2.0
- Windows Vista:
- Microsoft Internet Explorer version 6,Microsoft Internet Explorer version 7, Mozilla Firefox 2.0
- Mac 10.3:
- Mac 10.4:
- Mozilla Firefox 1.5, Mozilla Firefox 2.0, Apple Safari 2, Apple Safari 3
- Mac 10.5:
- Apple Safari 2, Apple Safari 3
To learn more about and/or register for a Thinkfinity Online Course, please visit the Free Training page. To learn more about state-based Thinkfinity online courses, please visit the State Network page.
Face-to-Face
There are two types of face-to-face sessions that are delivered in person by a Thinkfinity trainer. These sessions are either hands-on or presentation style. All end-user and train-the-trainer sessions will be delivered hands-on in a computer lab setting. Awareness sessions may be hands-on or presentation style using a projection device.
Technical Requirements
- Presenter and/or attendees must have an Internet connection (high-speed connection recommended).
- Projection device required for presenter station.
- Speakers recommended for presenter station.
- Download the following plug-ins on each lab computer: QuickTime, Flash, Adobe Acrobat Reader, Shockwave, and JAVA prior to the session.
- The Plug-In page provides a description of these plug-ins as well as links to installation information.
To learn more about face-to-face sessions in your state, please visit the State Network page.
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