Walk’bout creator George Manthey, ACSA’s assistant executive director for educational services, reports that this popular product is back, better than ever, after more than a yearlong forced “sabbatical.”
“Due to the decision by FileMaker Inc. to stop selling and supporting FileMaker Mobile, a new platform for the Walk’bout needed to be found,” Manthey said. “ACSA, through its partnership with Springboard Schools, found a perfect platform in Springware. The Walk’bout is now a Web-enabled product.”
The Walk’bout is accessed through a Web browser. Synchronization with any Web-enabled personal digital assistant, such as a Palm or iPAC, or a smart phone such as a Blackberry or iPhone is immediate.
Access is also available for PC users without a PDA or smart phone with Internet access. However, Mac users must have a Web enabled PDA or phone to use the new Walk’bout.
The Standard Finder has been embedded, so standards that may match the classroom activity are automatically suggested for selection.
The Walk’bout is designed to allow an observer in a classroom, who frequently conducts short walkthroughs, to efficiently gather and report data from those visits. It is not designed to be a substitute for the evaluation/appraisal process, Manthey said. It is designed to provide data about whether or not a school, grade level or department is meeting goals set for itself related to the implementation of best instructional practices.
Walk’bout data is organized into three distinct areas: basic classroom information, basic information about the activity being observed, and use of effective teaching practices. Many districts have found it valuable to have this third section modified to reflect district practices precisely.
The Walk’bout can be acquired in three ways:
• By attending a Walk’bout Workshop in person. Workshops are scheduled beginning in January throughout the state. Check www.acsa.org/events, for specific dates and places.
• Through participation in a training online – one online training has been scheduled each month, January-April. Check the Walk’bout or Online Learning section at www.acsa.org for details.
• Directly at a school or district. Contact Marianne Domingo in ACSA Educational Services, mdomingo@acsa.org or (800) 608-2272, to arrange an in-district workshop and Walk’bout customization.
The more than 3,000 current users of the Walk’bout can continue to use the FileMaker version or they can upgrade to the Web enabled version at a reduced cost.