Pulsar Training Module: New Users

Performance & Feedback : PF1a. My students demonstrate growth relative to the performance objectives.
Performance & Feedback : PF1b. My students demonstrate growth relative to the targeted proficiency level.
Performance & Feedback : PF1c. My students demonstrate growth across the modes of communication.
Performance & Feedback : PF2c. I provide feedback that is supported by evidence from the student performance.
Performance & Feedback : PF3a. My students engage in self-assessment and peer review to monitor progress toward the targeted performance objectives and their own language and culture goals.
Performance & Feedback : PF3d. My students determine their next steps toward improvement of performance.
Learning Tools : LT4a. I use a variety of tools to clearly communicate realistic expectations for student performance.
Learning Tools : LT4c. My students and I use tools to benchmark student growth.
Learning Tools : LT4d. I provide my students with tools and processes to reflect on their growth.

Welcome to Pulsar! This training module is for instructors who are new to STARTALK and/or have never used an online language portfolio in their classrooms.

First, we would like you to assess your current knowledge. The key concepts covered in this module are:

• I can explain the purpose and benefits of language learning portfolios like Pulsar.
• I can perform and explain the basic functionalities (i.e., registering students and uploading evidence) of Pulsar.
• I can create an approach for the implementation of Pulsar in my classroom that fits my specialized context.

Take the Self-Assessment quiz!

Remember, this training module is for new teachers and for teachers who are new to language learning portfolios. Please feel free to check out the training module for veteran teachers if you need something more advanced.

This section of the module offers options for acquiring more information on using Pulsar. A brief description is provided for each resource. The overview should provide you with the information you need to select the resources(s) that you feel are best for meeting your needs. Each resource is accompanied by a concept attainment quiz that serves as a check for learning. Once you have completed the quiz, you will be able to see the correct answers and will be directed to explanations for the responses.

There are 3 resources in this section. Review the short description provided with each resource and then select that resource that seems best for your situation.

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Perform and Explain the Basic Functionalities of Pulsar: The best way to learn Pulsar is to use it! At a minimum, teachers need to be able to 1) create their own accounts; 2) register students (or have students register themselves); and 3) review students’ evidence. Please take some time to review the PDF tutorials below.

• Account Registration (Instructors)
• Adding and Removing Students
• Resetting Passwords 
• Evidence Review 
• Account Registration (Students)
• Uploading Evidence: Web 
• Uploading Evidence: iOS 
• Uploading Evidence: Android 

Now, please answer the questions in “Check for learning 2.”

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Create an Approach for the Implementation of Pulsar: Designing your implementation approach for Pulsar is relatively simple! You just need to decide upon 1) the frequency with which your students will upload evidence, 2) the type of evidence students will upload and save, and 3) the tools (computers, mobile devices, or both) that you will use for evidence capture.

Read Considerations for Implementation, our Computer Lab Implementation Guide and our Mobile Device Implementation Guide. Then, answer the questions under “Check for Learning 3” below.

The key concepts covered in this module are:

• I can explain the purpose and benefits of language learning portfolios like Pulsar.
• I can engage in and explain the basic functionalities of Pulsar.
• I can create an approach for the implementation of Pulsar in my classroom that fits my specialized context.

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Explain the Purpose and Benefits of Pulsar: Watch this Pulsar Promotional Video and complete “Check for Learning 1.”

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Perform and Explain the Basic Functionalities of Pulsar: Please watch the videos below to improve your understanding of Pulsar’s basic functionalities.

• Account Registration (Instructors)
• Adding and Removing Students
• Resetting Passwords 
• Evidence Review 
• Account Registration (Students)
• Uploading Evidence: Web 
• Uploading Evidence: iOS 
• Uploading Evidence: Android

Now, please complete “Check for Learning 2.”

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Create an Approach for the Implementation of Pulsar: Please take a moment to read over this completed implementation plan. Then, complete “Check for Learning 3.”

The key concepts covered in this module are:

• I can explain the purpose and benefits of language learning portfolios like Pulsar.
• I can engage in and explain the basic functionalities of Pulsar.
• I can create an approach for the implementation of Pulsar in my classroom that fits my specialized context.

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Explain the Purpose and Benefits of Pulsar: You will respond to these tasks in the embedded quiz below:

1. Write or outline a short introduction to Pulsar that you can use with students.
2. Think of activities you could do with students to familiarize them with Pulsar, reflection, and what constitutes language proficiency. We recommend allowing about 30 minutes for these activities.

When you are done, check out our example speech and activities for introducing Pulsar.

Next, complete “Check for Learning 1.”

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Perform and Explain the Basic Functionalities of Pulsar: Please complete these basic tasks using Pulsar. Then, answer the questions in”Check for Learning 2.”

If you had any trouble, here are a few reminders:

• Your program director has to create your group before you can sign up for it.
• Usernames and passwords have at least six characters.
• The language on your student account has to match the language of the group you created in order to successfully upload evidence.

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Create an Approach for the Implementation of Pulsar: Please take some time to respond to the questions in “Check for Learning 3.”

If you are unsure of how you responded to these tasks, consider our completed Implementation Plan, the Mobile Device Implementation Guide, and the Computer Lab Implementation Guide.

Congratulations! You are ready to get started with Pulsar! If you need help, please email us anytime at [email protected]. You may also call us from May 14-August 10 from 8:00-3:00 (Pacific). The number to call is 541-357-8048.