How do the courses work?
Each lecture is 90 minutes long and includes questions based on the lecture (short answer and multiple-choice) which are participation only. Depending on the program you enroll in (which would depend on what type of credit you need) additional assignments may be required. Please contact our support team at support@kdsi.org for more information about requirements for your program.
Why can’t see my whole screen?
The problem is that you need to change the screen resolution.
If you have a PC:
Go to start menu and then control panel and then display- settings- and then change it to 1024 x 768 pixels. Click apply and then save.
If you have a Mac:
Go to the Apple icon in the upper left corner of the screen, choose system preferences, displays and change the setting to 1024 x 768 pixels.
Why did I not get credit for the lecture? The green bars aren’t lighting up/The check marks are not showing.
TIP: Although it's not required by all browsers, restarting your browser after clearing the cache is a good idea. If you're using Explorer 4.x or Explorer 5.x it's better to restart the computer as well.
Navigator 3.x:
Select "Options | Network Preferences..." from the main menu Change to the "Cache" tab Click on "Clear Memory Cache Now" and "Clear Disk Cache Now"buttons to clear memory and disk cache
Communicator 4.x:
Select "Edit | Preferences..." from the main menu Change to the "Advanced | Cache" section Click on "Clear Memory Cache" and "Clear Disk Cache" buttons to clear memory and disk cache
Explorer 3.x:
Select "View | Options..." from the main menu Change to the "Advanced" tab Click on "Settings" button Click on "Empty Folder..."
Explorer 4.x:
Select "View | Internet Options..." from the main menu Change to the "General" tab Click on "Delete Files" button
TIP: If you have Explorer 4.x Active Channel subscriptions, check "Delete all subscription content" to delete cached channel content as well.
Explorer 5.x:
Select "Tools | Internet Options..." from the main menu Change to the "General" tab Click on "Delete Files" button
TIP: If you have stored web pages for offline viewing, check "Delete all offline content"
For a Mac - Mozilla Firefox:
Go to tools, Clear Private Data, Click the option for Cache, click “Clear Private Data Now.” Please Note: If you do not want your saved passwords to be erased, please make sure it is unchecked.
How long until I get my certificate of completion from the NYCDOE?
The DOE will begin processing the certificates at the end of the semester and it takes about 4-12 weeks for the certificates to reach you.
How do I register for a course?
You can register by going online to our website at www.kdsi.org. Please refer to the list of programs for which portal you would want to go to depending on where in the U.S. you are located, and what type of program you are looking for. You can pay by credit card on our secure website, or opt to pay by check; however you will not get access to the course until we receive the check.
You can also register over the phone by calling (800) 728-0032 M-F 8:30 – 5:30pm.
What are the System Requirements for accessing the KDS Classroom?
System Requirements:
Windows® 98 or higher or MAC OSX or higher
Broadband Internet Connection (DSL or Cable Modem)
Internet Explorer Web Browser Version 6+
Computer Speakers or Headphones
Real Media Player -or- Windows Media Player.
Adobe Acrobat
System Settings:
Adjust your screen resolution to at least 1024x768
How do I access the KDS Classroom?
Once registered, all participants can login to the KDS Classroom by going to our website homepage (www.kdsi.org) and entering their log in information which will include a username, password and school number.
Will the KDS Professional Development Library work with firewalls and proxy servers?
In order to play the real media files within the KDS Classroom, you must open port 554 (incoming and outgoing) for real media or port 1755 for windows media. If you are connecting from home, ensure that one of these ports is open. If you are connecting from within your school, contact your network administrator and ask him/her to ensure that port 554 (for real media) or 1755 (for windows media) is open (incoming and outgoing). IF ONE OF THESE PORTS IS NOT OPEN, YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO VIEW ANY OF THE MEDIA FILES.
I am hearing a clicking sound during the lecture, is there a way to turn it off?
Please follow to the simple procedure below to disable the clicking sound in Microsoft Internet Explorer:
Start -> Settings -> Control Panel -> Sounds and Audio Devices ("Sounds & Multimedia" in Windows 2000)
Choose "Sounds" Tab
Scroll down in program events until you see "Windows Explorer" and then click on "Start Navigation"
Change the sound on "Start Navigation" to "(None)"
Click OK
What is the "Media Index"?
A list of the key topic areas within each lecture. These areas are linked to specific portions of the lecture and should be used when you have completed the lecture, but would like to review certain aspects of the information that was covered in the lecture itself.
Are the pre- and post-assessments graded?
The pre- and post-assessment questions are not graded, but full completion of them is required in order to receive credit. The questions are used to get you into the lecture topic before it begins and also to jog your memory after the lecture is finished.
I can't hear the speaker, but can see them talking in the video, what's going on?
Make sure your computer's volume settings are at a high-enough level and that your speakers/headphones are properly connected.
What are the different options for viewing/listening to the lecture?
The KDS Professional Development Library has RealPlayer video, Windows Media Player video and Audio Only capabilities.
Real Media video: requires RealPlayer (download it for free at www.real.com)
Windows Media video: requires Windows Media Player (download it for free at www.windowsmedia.com)
Audio Only: requires either of the above players to play.
I've watched parts of the lecture, including the end, but I still can't get credit, What am I doing wrong?
You're not doing anything wrong. Our system requires that you view the entire lecture (but you can stop and start as you please) before you can download your certificate. Simply complete the lecture and all the necessary assessment questions and you will be able to download your certificate.
Do I have to watch the entire lecture in one sitting?
No, as long as you sign out using the sign out button, you enter and leave the KDS Classroom as you please.
When I attempt to view the KDS Classroom in Real Player, I get an error message that says "File Not Found." Is there anything I can do?
Check to make sure your firewall isn't blocking Real Player. In many instances, a network firewall will block Real Player and not Windows Media Player. A way to get around the firewall is by using the Windows Media version of the KDS Classroom. If neither Windows Media Player nor Real Player works, then you will need to open few ports on your firewall. For more information on opening ports on your firewall, click here.
Is the system difficult to use? Do my teachers need extensive training?
The KDS Classroom is very simple to use. Teachers simply login (using their assigned username, password and school number) and click on the lecture they would like to view. Call 1-800-728-0032 or email info@kdsi.org to request a demo pass or free product walkthrough.
Does my district need a facilitator to implement a KDS Professional Development program?
Schools or districts can choose to use the KDS Classroom in one of two ways.
Self-Paced: Teachers can independently complete courses from home or school computer labs--they can print their own certificates when they have successfully completed the coursework for each assigned lectures. Administrators can track their progress and monitor the entire process.
Facilitated: Schools or districts can utilize their own facilitators to set up group training sessions, using an LCD Projector setup to broadcast lecture materials to authorized participants. KDS may provide consultants to act as facilitators to school districts in your area -- contact KDS for more information.
For more information you can contact us at info@kdsi.org.
Do you need a sophisticated computer setup to use the product?
No. The KDS classroom only requires a computer and hi-speed internet. If you have dial-up, you can view the audio lectures instead of video (should the connection be slow). The lectures are "streamed" and not downloaded so this doesn't require a long wait to start or take up memory on the hard drive, etc. (PC and Mac compatible). On a school network, you need only have PORT 80 open (this is standard and should not cause any security issues).
What are CEUs and PDUs and what is the difference between the two?
The Continuing Education Unit (CEU) is a nationally recognized measure of participation in an approved non-credit continuing education program. One Continuing Education Unit (1.0) is defined as: Ten contact hours of participation in an organized continuing education experience under responsible sponsorship, capable direction, and qualified instruction.
The Professional Development Unit (PDU) was established by PMI as the educational metric for project management educational activities. One PDU is earned for each contact hour spent in structured learning, which is relevant to project management.
For conversion purposes, one (1) CEU equates to 10 PDUs.
What sets the KDS Classroom apart from other online professional development systems?
KDS provides a host of advantages over other PD systems:
Dynamic Speakers: KDS seeks out only the nation's top educators for our vast speakers bureau. KDS lecturers are the most sought-after by school districts across the country. Most requested speakers include: Carol Ann Tomlinson, Debbie Silver, Bruce Campbell, Rick Wormeli, Susan Winebrenner, Todd Whitaker, and Clifton Taulbert.
Practical Content: Teachers learn classroom management and teaching techniques to immediately implement in the classroom. KDS's 90 minute lectures are bite-sized enough for teachers to comfortably digest. Dynamic presentation of content includes video/audio and synchronized PowerPoint slides to highlight and emphasize most important themes and objectives. Most popular topics include: Differentiated Instruction, Classroom Management, Assessment & Evaluation, Technology Integration, School Leadership, Handling Difficult Students, Increasing School Literacy, and Administrative Law.
Assessment: Pre- and Post-Assessment questions are built into the KDS Classroom, providing teachers with a means to show mastery of skills learned and an opportunity to apply their knowledge through multiple choice and open-ended Q&A. Administrators can take advantage of automatic grading features. Educators can instantly print customized CEU/PDU certificates after completing each KDS Course.
Accountability: Administrators gain full accountability through the KDS Administrator's Console - providing complete user tracking, assessment scores, and other useful statistics.
Interactivity/Intra-District Communication: The KDS Discussion Boards are a forum to foster intercommunication within schools or districts. Post homework assignments and encourage teacher interaction.
Easy-to-Use Platform: The KDS Classroom platform is so easy to use, there is little to no training necessary. Streaming video is instant; no downloading needed.
Downloadable Topic Resources: Download and print comprehensive study guides corresponding to KDS lectures. Users can take advantage of lecture transcripts -- helpful in accommodating needs of hearing-impaired staff members.
Graduate Credit: Participants can apply to earn graduate credit from a variety of university partners. For more information on KDS university partners, please contact us at info@kdsi.org or (800) 728-0032.
Free Technical Support: Call or email KDS's technical support team free of charge for immediate assistance (1.800.728.0032 or support@kdsi.org).
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