1. Observation 360 Home

Getting Started

Where Do I Start?

I really didn't want to be eaten or sliced in half anyway, so how do I get started with Observation 360?
The answer to that question depends on an important decision you must make first.
And what would that be?
Let me explain a little bit about the difference between using the Observation 360 mobile app and Observation 360 web. Roll the film!
You do know that idiom doesn't apply to videos anymore, right?
Yes, but I like to invoke nostalgia.

Where Do I Start?

Watch the video to see which device is best for you to start with Observation 360.

Transcript

When it's time to conduct an evaluation using Observation 360, you have the option to conduct observations using a computer or a mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet. However, keep in mind that each device has its own strengths and weaknesses.

A laptop computer has a full keyboard, which makes typing easier. But maintaining an Internet connection might be difficult in certain areas of your school building. Mobile devices are convenient and portable; however, some touch keyboards are difficult to use when typing longer comments or notes.

You can start an observation in an educator's classroom using a mobile device, collect as much information as possible, and upload the incomplete observation to the web version of Observation 360. Then you can use a computer with a full keyboard to complete your observation, allowing you to add longer comments faster. 

In the web version you may also provide specific feedbackand submit the final completed observation.However, if you start an observation using the web version, you cannot complete it on a mobile device.

Whichever tool you prefer will provide you with every function in Observation 360. Feel free to familiarize yourself with both and choose the observation device that best suits your needs.

The Mobile Version of Observation 360

I know which one I need right now.
Which one are you going to use, the web version or the mobile app version?
I’ve tried to use my laptop to make observations before, but the far south corner of our building is haunted.
Are you serious?
Yes! You simply cannot get an Internet connection down there. I just know the ghosts of dial-up modems past attack my computer and make this whole process even harder.
So I assume you want to use the mobile app then, correct?
You assume correctly!
Then let's start there.

Set Up Observation 360

In Observation 360, start a new observation, and then use the main menu to complete the setup by updating your data and loading both of the available templates.

Mode
Mode
Show
Restart
  1. Tap the Observation 360 application. The first time you use the application, you will log in, but we are skipping this step for you.
  2. Tap New Observation to begin a new observation.
  3. The first time you start a new observation, you may see this message. You need to update the application to get the most recent data and templates available. Tap the icon in the top left corner.
  4. Tap Settings in the menu.
  5. Tap Update Observation 360 Data to retrieve the most recent list of your educators and other important data.
  6. Tap Select Templates for this Device to select the templates you want to use.
  7. Tap the templates listed in the menu one by one.
  8. Tap the Select Templates for this Device again to close the menu.
  9. Tap Back in the navigation bar to return to return to the main screen.
  10. Very good. Keep in mind that the steps to update your data and retrieve the templates do not have to be performed every time you use the application.

Practice

If you need help with a step, click Show to highlight the area.

Choose one of the following:

  • Novice mode if you need step-by-step instructions as you go along.
  • Ninja mode when you only need the description to complete the practice.
Novice Mode
Ninja Mode

New Observations

All right, I made the decision to start with Observation 360 on my mobile device. Now what do I do?
It’s actually quite simple. When you start a new observation, you select the observation template you are going to use, enter the school where the observation will take place, and which educator you will observe.
What exactly is an observation template?
A template organizes your observation questions, indicators, and prompts for you so it can be used for mutiple observations. Before you begin you must download the template to your device.
Where do I get the templates? Do I have to make them first?
No. Someone else from your school or district is usually responsible for creating the templates for you.
Seems easy enough. Can you show me how to start an observation?
Absolutely. And there are no saw blades involved. I promise!

Start a New Observation

Complete the steps to start a new observation with the Formative template for Isla Bryant, a 5th grade math teacher at Kuleana Academy.

Mode
Mode
Show
Restart
  1. Tap New Observation.
  2. Choose the template for a formative assessment.
  3. Select the Kuleana Academy school.
  4. Select Isla Bryant as the educator.
  5. Tap Start Observation.
  6. Complete the General information by entering a filter for 5th Grade.
  7. Select Math as the subject.
  8. Switch to the Notes section.
  9. End the setup by tapping Close.
  10. Very good. You may need to complete other steps as part of your initial setup, but these were the most common changes observers make when starting a new observation.

Practice

If you need help with a step, click Show to highlight the area.

Choose one of the following:

  • Novice mode if you need step-by-step instructions as you go along.
  • Ninja mode when you only need the description to complete the practice.
Novice Mode
Ninja Mode

A Matter of Access

I see a problem. We don’t want everyone to see my recorded thoughts and evaluations in an observation. How can I keep these things private?
Yes, a lack of privacy could be a major disaster for you! Observation 360 has an answer. Let me explain.

Who Has Access?

Watch the video explaining who has access to view, comment, and edit the observation while in progress and after it is submitted.

Transcript

One of the first things you will notice when you start an observation, is that you choose who will have access to it once it has been finalized and submitted. Of course, as the observer, you always have access to edit the observation before you submit it, and to view and make comments after you submit. Additionally, you can grant access to view the final observation to the educator—which you will most likely always do—as well as to your school's instructional leaders. Granting such access means that educators can view the observation and make comments. Instructional leaders can only view the observation when you grant them access.

Informal Observations

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