Getting Started

Set up your account, navigate the app, and understand your role in PD Edge.

By Ron Sloop

• 8 articles

Logging In and Navigation

Logging In and Navigation Access your professional development platform and learn to navigate between Learn and Observe modules effectively. Signing In Access Your Account 1. Navigate to your organization's PD Edge login page 2. Enter your email address and password 3. Click Sign In 4. You'll be directed to your personalized dashboard First-Time Login If this is your first login, you may need to: - Set up your password using the link from your welcome email - Complete your profile information - Review your assigned roles and permissions Dashboard Overview Understanding Your Dashboard Your dashboard displays different content based on your role and your organization's activated modules: Learn Content Tabs (when Learn module is activated): - Required Content — Mandatory training assigned to you - Continue Content — Training you've started but not completed - Content Libraries — Available course collections - Learning Paths — Structured learning sequences - Individual Content — Standalone courses and materials Observations Tab (when Observe module is activated): - My Observations — Classroom observations you've received - My Conducted Observations — Observations you've performed - All Observations — Organization-wide observation data (administrators only) Tab Navigation The dashboard uses sticky navigation tabs that remain visible as you scroll: 1. Click any tab to jump to that section 2. Content loads automatically when you select a tab 3. Badge numbers show item counts for each category Observation Dashboard Cards Role-Based Observation Access Your observation dashboard shows different cards based on your roles: Observable Role (Teachers/Staff): - My Observations card shows how many times you've been observed - Displays when your last observation occurred - Click View to see detailed observation results Observer Role (Coaches/Administrators): - My Conducted Observations card shows classrooms you've observed - Tracks your observation activity and last observation date - Click View to manage and review your conducted observations Organization Administrator: - All Observations card provides organization-wide statistics - Shows total observations across your organization - Click View for comprehensive observation reporting Navigation Structure Sidebar Menu The main navigation menu provides access to all platform features based on your role: Learn Module Sections: - My Content — Personal learning dashboard - Content Libraries — Available course collections - Learning Paths — Structured learning sequences - Transcripts — Learning completion records Observe Module Sections: - My Observations — Personal observation history - Conduct Observations — Start new observations (Observer role) - Observation Reports — Analytics and reporting (Reporter role) Administrative Sections: - User Management — Manage staff and roles (administrators) - Organization Settings — Configure platform features - Reports — System-wide analytics and reporting Breadcrumb Navigation Use breadcrumb navigation to: - Understand your current location in the system - Navigate back to parent sections - Maintain context while exploring features User Profile and Settings Accessing Your Profile 1. Click your name or avatar in the top navigation 2. Select My Profile from the dropdown menu 3. Update your personal information and preferences Available Settings Profile Information: - Name and contact details - Job title and organization - Profile photo Notification Preferences: - Email notification settings - Dashboard display options - Learning reminder preferences Password Management: - Change your password - Set up two-factor authentication (if available) - Review security settings Role-Specific Features Understanding Your Roles Your dashboard and navigation options depend on your assigned roles: Observable — Can view received observations and feedback Observer — Can conduct classroom observations Organization Administrator — Full access to organizational data and settings Reporter — Access to analytics and reporting features Evaluator — Can perform formal evaluations Proctor — Can manage assessment sessions Feature Availability Features appear in your navigation only if: - You have the required role - Your organization has activated the relevant module - The feature is enabled in your organization's settings Contact your system administrator if you need access to additional features or roles.

Last updated on Apr 01, 2026

Understanding Your Dashboard

Understanding Your Dashboard Your dashboard provides a personalized overview of your professional development activities and observations. The content you see depends on your role and your organization's activated features. Dashboard Overview When you access your dashboard, you'll see a tabbed interface that organizes your activities into relevant sections. The available tabs depend on your role and which modules your organization has enabled. Available Dashboard Tabs Your dashboard may include these tabs based on your access: - Required Content — Mandatory training assigned to you - Continue Content — Training you've started but haven't completed - Content Libraries — Collections of learning materials you have access to - Learning Paths — Structured sequences of learning activities - Individual Content — Standalone courses and materials - Observations — Your classroom observation activity Each tab displays a count badge showing how many items need your attention. Required Content Tab Available when you have assigned required training This tab shows professional development content that has been specifically assigned to you. You'll see a count of how many required items are available for completion. The system automatically loads this content when you first visit your dashboard, making it easy to quickly access mandatory training. Continue Content Tab Available when you have in-progress training This section displays courses and content you've started but haven't finished. The count shows how many items are waiting for you to continue. This helps you pick up where you left off without having to search through all available content. Content Libraries Tab Available when you have access to content libraries Content libraries are curated collections of learning materials organized by topic, subject area, or other themes. This tab shows how many libraries you can access. Learning Paths Tab Available when you're enrolled in learning paths Learning paths are structured sequences of courses designed to build specific skills or knowledge areas. The count reflects how many paths you're currently enrolled in or have access to. Individual Content Tab Available when you have access to standalone courses This tab shows individual courses and learning materials that aren't part of libraries or learning paths. These are typically standalone professional development resources. Observations Tab Available for observers, observees, and organization administrators The Observations tab provides a summary of classroom observation activity relevant to your role. This section displays different information based on whether you conduct observations, receive them, or manage them. My Observations Widget Visible if you have the observable role This green widget shows your observation history as someone being observed. You'll see: - Total number of times your classroom has been observed - When your last observation occurred - A "View" button to access detailed observation records If you haven't been observed yet, it will display "Your classroom has never been observed." My Conducted Observations Widget Visible if you have the observer role This blue widget tracks observations you've conducted of other classrooms. It displays: - Number of classrooms you've observed - When you last conducted an observation - A "View" button to access your conducted observations New observers will see "You have yet to observe a classroom." All Observations Widget Visible if you have the organization_administrator role This dark green widget shows organization-wide observation activity: - Total classrooms observed across your organization - When the most recent observation occurred organization-wide - A "View" button to access all organizational observation data Organizations just starting with observations will see "Your organization has yet to observe a classroom." Dashboard Navigation The dashboard uses a sticky navigation bar that remains visible as you scroll through content. Click any tab to jump directly to that section. Content in tabs other than Observations loads dynamically when you access them, ensuring your dashboard loads quickly while still providing comprehensive information. Customizing Your View Your dashboard automatically adapts based on: - Your assigned roles and permissions - Which modules your organization has activated (Learn and/or Observe) - Your current activity and assignments - Available content and observation data You don't need to configure your dashboard manually — it displays only the information and tools relevant to your role and responsibilities. Getting Started If you're new to the platform, focus on these areas first: 1. Check the Required Content tab for any mandatory training 2. Review the Observations section to understand your observation responsibilities 3. Explore Content Libraries to discover available professional development resources Your dashboard serves as your home base for all professional development activities, providing quick access to the tools and information you need most.

Last updated on Apr 01, 2026

Managing Your Profile

Managing Your Profile Your profile contains your personal information, preferences, and account settings. Keep your profile current to ensure proper communication and system access. Accessing Your Profile You can access your profile from any page in the system: 1. Click your name or avatar in the top navigation 2. Select Profile from the dropdown menu Editing Personal Information Update your basic profile information: 1. Navigate to your profile page 2. Click Edit Profile 3. Update the following fields as needed: - First Name - Last Name - Email Address - Job Title - Phone Number 4. Click Save Changes Note: Your email address is used for system notifications and login. Contact your system administrator if you need to change it. Uploading a Profile Picture Add or update your profile photo: 1. Go to your profile page 2. Click Edit Profile 3. Click the profile picture area or Upload Photo 4. Select an image file (JPG, PNG recommended) 5. Crop or adjust the image if prompted 6. Click Save Requirements: - Maximum file size: 5MB - Recommended dimensions: 200x200 pixels - Square images work best Changing Your Password Update your account password for security: 1. Navigate to your profile page 2. Click Change Password 3. Enter your current password 4. Enter your new password 5. Confirm your new password 6. Click Update Password Password Requirements: - Minimum 8 characters - Include uppercase and lowercase letters - Include at least one number - Include at least one special character Setting Notification Preferences Control how and when you receive system notifications: 1. Go to your profile page 2. Click Notification Settings 3. Configure preferences for: - Email notifications - Observation reminders - Training deadlines - System announcements 4. Choose notification frequency: - Immediate - Daily digest - Weekly summary - Disabled 5. Click Save Preferences Managing Contact Information Keep your contact details current: 1. Navigate to your profile page 2. Click Edit Profile 3. Update contact fields: - Primary phone number - Secondary phone (optional) - Preferred contact method - Emergency contact (if required) 4. Click Save Changes Profile Visibility Your profile information is visible to: - System administrators - Full profile access - Organization administrators - Basic information and role details - Colleagues in your organization - Name, job title, and contact information - Observers/Evaluators - Professional information relevant to observations Troubleshooting Profile Issues Cannot Update Email Address Contact your system administrator to change your email address. This ensures proper account security and prevents access issues. Profile Picture Won't Upload Check that your image meets the requirements: - File size under 5MB - Standard image format (JPG, PNG, GIF) - Clear browser cache and try again Password Reset Not Working If you can't change your password: 1. Verify you're entering your current password correctly 2. Check that your new password meets requirements 3. Contact your system administrator if issues persist Profile Security Keep your profile secure: - Use a strong, unique password - Don't share your login credentials - Log out when using shared computers - Report suspicious account activity immediately - Review and update your information regularly Your profile information helps colleagues identify you in observations, training records, and system communications. Keep it current and professional.

Last updated on Apr 01, 2026

Accessing Help and Support

Accessing Help and Support When you need assistance with the platform, several support resources are available to help you resolve issues quickly and continue your professional development work. Getting Started Resources User Dashboard Your main dashboard provides contextual help based on your role and available content: - Required Content tab - Shows mandatory training assignments - Continue Content tab - Displays courses you've started but not completed - Content Libraries tab - Access to available learning materials - Learning Paths tab - Structured learning sequences - Observations tab - Classroom observation activities (if you have observer or observable roles) System Notifications The platform displays helpful information throughout your experience: - Badge counts on dashboard tabs show pending items - Status messages indicate your progress and next steps - Time-based reminders highlight recent activity Finding Help Information Navigation Menu Most help resources are accessible through the main navigation: 1. Look for help icons or "Support" links in the top menu 2. Check the user menu (typically under your profile name) 3. Review any "Getting Started" or "Help" sections Contextual Help Many pages include built-in assistance: - Tooltips on form fields explain what information to enter - Description text clarifies feature purposes - Status indicators show current state and next actions Role-Specific Support For Observable Users (Teachers) If you're being observed, your dashboard shows: - How many times your classroom has been observed - When your last observation occurred - Direct links to view your observation history For Observer Users (Administrators/Coaches) If you conduct observations, you can access: - Count of classrooms you've observed - Timeline of your observation activity - Links to manage your conducted observations For Organization Administrators Administrative users see broader organizational data: - Total observations across your organization - Organization-wide observation activity - Administrative management links Contacting Support Before Contacting Support 1. Check your dashboard for status updates 2. Review any error messages for specific details 3. Note your user role and the specific feature you're using 4. Document the steps you were taking when the issue occurred Information to Include When requesting support, provide: - Your role in the system (teacher, administrator, coach, etc.) - The specific feature or page where you encountered the issue - What you were trying to accomplish - Any error messages you received - Your browser type and version Response Expectations Support requests are typically handled based on: - Critical issues - Problems preventing observations or required training - General questions - Feature usage and navigation assistance - Enhancement requests - Suggestions for platform improvements Self-Service Resources Dashboard Analytics Your dashboard provides insights into your activity: - My Observations - Personal observation history and patterns - My Conducted Observations - Reviews you've completed as an observer - Content Progress - Training completion status and next steps Account Settings Review your profile settings to ensure: - Contact information is current - Notification preferences are configured - Role assignments are correct Training Materials Access built-in learning resources: - Platform orientation content - Role-specific training modules - Feature demonstration materials Remember that your dashboard adapts to your specific roles and responsibilities, so you'll only see features and support options relevant to your work in the school or district.

Last updated on Apr 01, 2026

Setting Up Your Account

When you first access the platform, you'll want to complete your account setup to get the most out of your professional development experience. Your dashboard serves as your central hub for all learning and observation activities. Understanding Your Dashboard Your dashboard displays different content based on your role and your organization's activated modules: - Learn module - Shows training content, courses, and learning paths - Observe module - Displays observation activity and summaries The dashboard uses tabs to organize your content, with badges showing the number of items in each section. Setting Up Your Profile Complete your profile information to ensure proper attribution in observations and course completions: 1. Click your name or avatar in the top navigation 2. Select Profile or Account Settings 3. Complete required fields: - Full name - Email address - Job title - Organization/school assignment 4. Upload a professional profile image 5. Click Save Changes Your profile information helps colleagues identify you in observation reports and collaborative learning activities. Configuring Dashboard Tabs Your dashboard automatically shows relevant tabs based on your role: Learn Module Tabs If your organization has the Learn module activated, you may see: - Required Content - Mandatory training assigned to you - Continue Content - Courses you've started but not completed - Content Libraries - Available course collections - Learning Paths - Structured learning sequences - Individual Content - Standalone courses and materials Observe Module Tab If your organization uses observations, you'll see an Observations tab with activity summaries: - My Observations (Observable role) - Times your classroom has been observed - My Conducted Observations (Observer role) - Observations you've completed - All Observations (Organization Administrator role) - Organization-wide observation activity Setting Password and Security Protect your account with a strong password: 1. Navigate to your account settings 2. Find the Security or Password section 3. Enter your current password 4. Create a new password that includes: - At least 8 characters - Mixed case letters - Numbers and symbols 5. Confirm your new password 6. Click Update Password Configuring Notifications Set up notifications to stay informed about: - New required training assignments - Upcoming observation schedules - Course completion deadlines - System announcements 1. Access your account settings 2. Look for Notifications or Communication Preferences 3. Choose your preferred notification methods: - Email notifications - In-system alerts - Frequency settings 4. Save your preferences Navigating Your First Login After completing your initial setup: 1. Review your dashboard tabs - Each shows a count of available or pending items 2. Check for required content - Complete any mandatory training first 3. Explore available resources - Browse content libraries relevant to your role 4. Understand your observation role - Know whether you'll be observing others or being observed Role-Specific Setup For Teachers (Observable role) - Your My Observations widget shows how many times you've been observed - Review any required professional development content - Familiarize yourself with observation forms your school uses For Administrators and Coaches (Observer role) - Check both My Observations (received) and My Conducted Observations (given) - Review available observation forms and rubrics - Explore coaching and leadership content in Learn modules For Organization Administrators - Access All Observations to see organization-wide activity - Review system-wide required content assignments - Check reporting and analytics features Getting Help If you encounter issues during setup: - Check with your school's technology coordinator - Review help documentation in the system - Contact your organization's administrator - Use any built-in help or support features Your account setup ensures you can effectively participate in your organization's professional development and observation programs.

Last updated on Apr 02, 2026

Navigating the Platform

Your main dashboard serves as the central hub for all professional development activities. The interface adapts based on your role and which modules your organization has activated. Dashboard Overview When you log in, you'll see your personalized dashboard with tabbed sections for different types of content and activities. The dashboard dynamically shows only the sections relevant to your role and available modules. Dashboard Tabs Your dashboard may include these tabs depending on your organization's configuration: Required Content - Professional development content assigned specifically to you by administrators. Shows a count of items requiring your attention. Continue Content - Training materials you've started but haven't completed yet. Lets you pick up where you left off. Content Libraries - Collections of professional development resources organized by topic or department. Learning Paths - Structured sequences of training content designed to build specific skills or meet certification requirements. Individual Content - Self-selected professional development materials available for your role. Observations - Classroom observation activities, both received and conducted (appears only if the Observe module is activated). Navigation Structure Top Navigation The top menu provides access to your account settings and profile options. Click your name or avatar to access: - Profile settings - Password changes - Notification preferences - Sign out option Main Navigation Menu The left sidebar contains the primary navigation organized by functional areas. Menu items appear based on your role permissions and activated modules. Learn Module Navigation If your organization has activated the Learn module, you'll see these main sections: My Learning - Dashboard - Overview of your learning activity - Required Content - Mandatory training assignments - In Progress - Content you're currently working on - Completed - Finished training with certificates and transcripts - Content Libraries - Browse available resource collections - Learning Paths - Access structured learning sequences Content Management (For users with content creation permissions) - Content Library - Manage learning resources - Assessments - Create and manage quizzes and evaluations - Certificates - Design completion certificates - Reports - View learning analytics Observe Module Navigation If your organization uses the Observe module for classroom observations, you'll find: My Observations Dashboard The Observations tab on your main dashboard shows three key widgets: My Observations (for observable staff) - Summary of observations you've received, including total count and most recent observation date. My Conducted Observations (for observers) - Overview of observations you've performed on other staff members. All Observations (for organization administrators) - System-wide observation summary for your organization. Observation Navigation - My Observations - View observations of your teaching - Peer Observations - Access observations you've conducted - All Observations - Organization-wide observation data (administrators) - Forms - Create and manage observation templates - Schedules - Plan and organize observation activities - Reports - Analyze observation data and trends Dashboard Widgets and Counts Badge counts appear next to navigation items and tabs to show: - Number of required items needing attention - In-progress activities you can continue - Available resources in each category These counts help you prioritize your professional development activities and stay current with requirements. Role-Based Access Your navigation options depend on your assigned roles: Teachers and Staff typically see learning content, their own observations, and basic reporting. Coaches and Observers have additional access to conduct observations and view forms. Administrators see comprehensive management tools for both Learn and Observe modules, including user management, reporting, and system configuration. Content Managers can create and publish learning materials, assessments, and certificates. Getting Help Look for help resources in: - Help links in the main navigation - Context-sensitive help icons throughout the interface - Support contact information in your account settings - Documentation links provided by your administrator Mobile Navigation The platform adapts to mobile devices with a collapsible menu structure. On smaller screens, use the menu toggle to access the full navigation.

Last updated on Apr 02, 2026

Understanding User Roles and Permissions

Understanding User Roles and Permissions Your access to features and content depends on the roles assigned to your account. Understanding these roles helps you navigate the system effectively and know what actions you can perform. Role Types Overview The system uses three levels of user roles: - System Administrator — Platform-wide access to all organizations and settings - Organization Administrator — Full access within assigned organizations - Functional Roles — Specific permissions for Observe and Learn modules System Administrator Role System administrators have unrestricted access to: - All organizations and their data - Global system settings - User management across all organizations - License management and reporting - System-wide analytics and reports If you're a system administrator, you can access any feature described in this help center. Organization Administrator Role Organization administrators can manage everything within their assigned organizations: - User accounts and role assignments - Organization settings and preferences - All Observe and Learn content and data - Reports for their organization - License usage for their organization Organization administrators see an "All Observations" widget on their dashboard showing organization-wide observation activity. Functional Roles Most users have one or more functional roles that provide specific permissions: Observe Module Roles Observer - Conduct classroom observations - View observation forms and rubrics - Access peer observation reports - See "My Conducted Observations" on dashboard Observable - Receive classroom observations - View observations of your teaching - Access your observation history and feedback - See "My Observations" on dashboard Evaluator - Conduct formal evaluations - Access evaluation periods and cycles - Manage evaluation workflows - View evaluation analytics Proctor - Manage proctored assessment sessions - Monitor online assessments - Control session settings and timing - Access proctoring reports Learn Module Roles Reporter - Access analytics and reporting features - View learning progress data - Generate completion reports - Export learning records Publisher - Create and publish learning content - Manage content libraries - Build learning paths - Configure assessments and certificates Dashboard Content Based on Roles Your dashboard displays different tabs and widgets based on your assigned roles: Learn Module Tabs If the Learn module is activated, you may see: - Required Content — Mandatory training assigned to you - Continue Content — Courses you've started but not completed - Content Libraries — Available learning resources - Learning Paths — Structured learning sequences - Individual Content — Standalone courses and materials Observe Module Widget If you have Observer, Observable, or Organization Administrator roles, you'll see an Observations widget showing: - My Observations (Observable role) — Times your classroom has been observed - My Conducted Observations (Observer role) — Classrooms you've observed - All Observations (Organization Administrator role) — Organization-wide observation activity Organization Hierarchy The system supports multi-level organizations: - District Level — Top-level organization - School Level — Schools within districts - Department Level — Departments within schools Your role permissions apply to your assigned organization level and may extend to child organizations depending on your specific role configuration. Requesting Additional Permissions If you need access to features not currently available: 1. Contact your Organization Administrator 2. Request specific role assignments 3. Explain which features you need to access 4. Wait for role assignment confirmation Organization Administrators can modify role assignments through the user management interface. Role-Specific Feature Access Content Access - Content visibility depends on your organization assignment - Required content appears based on administrator assignments - Content libraries show resources available to your role level Reporting Access - Reporters see comprehensive analytics across modules - Other roles see reports relevant to their function - Organization Administrators access all reports for their organization Administrative Features - User management requires Organization Administrator or System Administrator roles - Content publishing requires Publisher role - System settings require appropriate administrative permissions Understanding Role Limitations Each role has specific boundaries: - You can only access data from your assigned organizations - Feature availability depends on module activation (Observe/Learn) - Some features require multiple roles for full functionality - Administrative actions require elevated permissions If you encounter "Access Denied" messages, check with your administrator about role assignments needed for that feature.

Last updated on Apr 02, 2026

Essential First Tasks

When you first access the platform, completing these essential setup tasks will help you get the most from your professional development experience. Join Your Organization Your first step is connecting to your school or district organization: 1. Check your email for an invitation from your administrator 2. Click the invitation link to activate your account 3. Complete your profile information including your role and contact details 4. Verify your organization appears correctly in your account settings If you haven't received an invitation, contact your school's administrator or technology coordinator. Accept Product Assignments Your administrator may assign specific learning content or observation roles to you: 1. Navigate to your dashboard after logging in 2. Look for the Required Content tab if you have Learn module access 3. Review any assigned courses, assessments, or learning paths 4. Note completion deadlines and priority items 5. Click View to see detailed assignments Role requirement: Content assignments are managed by system_administrator or organization_administrator roles. Set Up Your Learning Preferences Customize your learning experience for better engagement: 1. Access your profile settings from the top navigation 2. Configure notification preferences for: - Assignment reminders - Due date alerts - Progress updates - Observation schedules 3. Set your preferred learning pace and session length 4. Choose content delivery preferences Understanding Your Dashboard Your main dashboard provides access to all platform features through organized tabs: Learn Module Tabs If your organization has activated the Learn module, you'll see: - Required Content - Mandatory training assignments - Continue Content - Previously started courses and materials - Content Libraries - Available resource collections - Learning Paths - Structured learning sequences - Individual Content - Self-directed learning options Observe Module Tab If your organization uses classroom observations, the Observations tab shows: - My Observations - Records of your classroom visits (for observable role) - My Conducted Observations - Observations you've completed (for observer role) - All Observations - Organization-wide activity (for organization_administrator role) Explore Available Content and Resources Familiarize yourself with your learning options: 1. Click through each available tab on your dashboard 2. Review content libraries relevant to your role and grade level 3. Explore learning paths designed for your professional development goals 4. Bookmark frequently used resources 5. Check for mobile access options if available Set Up Transcripts and Certifications Track your professional development progress: 1. Locate your transcript section in the Learn module 2. Review credit-earning opportunities 3. Understand certification requirements for your role 4. Set up automatic transcript updates if available 5. Note any state reporting or compliance requirements Note: Transcript and certification features vary by organization configuration. Observation Setup (If Applicable) If you have observer or observable roles: 1. Review your observation schedule regularly 2. Understand the observation forms your organization uses 3. Familiarize yourself with the observation process 4. Set up mobile access for classroom observations 5. Test any required observation tools or apps Role requirement: Observation features require observer, observable, or organization_administrator roles. Next Steps After completing these initial tasks: - Bookmark your dashboard for easy daily access - Set up regular times for professional development activities - Connect with colleagues also using the platform - Schedule any required training sessions - Review organization-specific guidelines and expectations Your administrator can provide additional guidance on organization-specific features and requirements.

Last updated on Apr 02, 2026