What is the mission of Kidz Online?

Kidz Online (KOL) is a nonprofit educational organization whose mission, vision and values are dedicated to preparing K-12 students and teachers to live and work in the information age through innovative peer-to-peer technology training distributed using advanced digital technologies.

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When was Kidz Online established?

Kidz Online was incorporated in 1994 as a nonprofit corp., with a mission to teach computer skills to less fortunate kids in the Washington DC area by utilizing the efforts of teen volunteers. Today, KOL is a non-profit web-based educational service. KOL strives to help students and teachers increase their knowledge of the rapidly changing world of technology and how to integrate into their ongoing new literacy experiences. Learn more at www.kidzonline.org.

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Why use KOL?

It's all FREE, and our resources are excellent!

KOL believes in the power of technology to affect student achievement and accelerate teacher professional development. We know that computers offer interactive learning opportunities for all types of students. We specialize in helping prepare teachers with the learning and tools that they need to use technology as a teaching and learning tool.

Don't worry if you're not a technology expert, KOL's free training videos for teachers and students will set you up with the necessary knowledge and technology skills to enrich your lessons and engage your students.

It's here at KOL where you will find the technology tools that will empower your students and prepare them for success in today's knowledge based society.

Not only does KOL focus on technology, it works to apply technology across core curriculum and is suitable for a wide variety of subjects.

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Who creates the content seen on the website?

Kidz Online has a young, experienced staff from various backgrounds and levels of expertise. KOL works with professional educators and instructional developers to assist in the development of all of our materials. For more information on the KOL staff, check out http://www.kidzonline.org/PressKit/crew.asp.

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Is all the content about technology?

The majority of our content deals with technology though it may be applied to all aspects of the middle school or high school curriculum where technology is integrated. KOL believes that the learning experience can be enriched, and be more relevant to students, when technology is integrated to the curriculum of any subject.

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What age demographic are the videos targeted towards?

KOL's target users are middle school and high school students and teachers, though the content can be modified for younger and post high school students. Our TeachIT channel is targeted towards students, educators, or anyone interested in extended learning.

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Is the content on the website all free?

Yes! All the content provided on the Kidz Online website is free to all users.

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Where is Kidz Online located?

KOL has three studios, one in Los Angeles, California, another in Reston, Virginia, and a third at the Center for Innovative Technology (CIT) located in Herndon, Virginia. The web-based educational videos and resource tools are produced in these studios. To contact the staff at KOL go to http://www.kidzonline.org/corp/contact.asp.

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What are the benefits of registering?

Registering on the KOL website gives you the access to download higher quality (600K) video files directly to your computer. You are also able to save Videos and Lesson Plans in My Resources. You will also receive a monthly newsletter and invitions to our webcasts. If you want to unsubscribe to the newsletter, send an e-mail to unsubscribe@kidzonline.org.

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How do you become a registered user on the KOL website?

To become a registered user on the KOL website, click on the Login button at the top right corner of your screen. A pop-up window will open with a login screen. Click the button that says "Register" and fill out your information.

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Is registering at Kidz Online (KOL) free?

Yes, all of our content is free! There are no registration charges.

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How do I unsubscribe from the Kidz Online mailing list?

If you have subscribed to the newsletter, you may unsubscribe by sending an email to unsubscribe@kidzonline.org. Removing this information from our mailing list does not affect your access to the Website in any way.

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How does KOL use your personal information?

We will use your personal information in a manner that is consistent with this policy and only for the purpose for which you submit it, unless we specifically disclose other intended uses at the time we collect the information from you. For example, when teachers register with us, we collect their names and email addresses so that we can email a teacher his or her password, and so that we can email teachers publicity emails when we release new videos or lesson plans.

We will not share your Personal Information with outside companies, but may share it with Kidz Online, Inc. employees, agents and contractors who have a legitimate business reason to obtain access to your Personal Information.

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What is the privacy policy for Kidz Online?

In general, we do not collect Personal Information (such as full name, email address, mailing address or phone number) from visitors to our site. However, we collect Personal Information in connection with some of our site features if you voluntarily give it to us in order to participate in such features. For example, when teachers register with us for use of the Class Server, we collect their names and email addresses.

We do not knowingly accept unsolicited submissions including, but not limited to, plots, scripts, articles, drawings, videos, games, information, suggestions, ideas or concepts (collectively "Submissions"). However, some features of this Website (such as Technology in Action) specifically request Submissions. When you send a solicited or unsolicited Submission to us via this Website, you consent to our publication and use, in any manner whatsoever in our sole discretion, any Personal Information contained in such Submission.

KOL is not responsible for the privacy practices of websites operated by third parties that are linked to our site(s) or for the privacy practices of third party advertisers. Once you've left this Website via such a link or by clicking on an advertisement, you should check the applicable privacy policy of the third party or advertiser site to determine how they will handle any Personal Information they collect from you. KOL's Website may also be linked to sites operated by companies affiliated with KOL. Visitors to those affiliated sites should still refer to their separate privacy policies and practices, which are different, form our Privacy Policy. For our complete privacy statement go to http://www.kidzonline.org/corp/privacy.asp.

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What are the channels?

KOL has five different channels, which teach our curriculum, and are unique in their purpose. The channels include: Kidz Teaching Kids (KTK), gURL Tech, Technology in Action (TiA), Streaming Futures, and Teach IT. The intent is to create the big picture from a variety of perspectives using the KOL web-based video. Having different channels allows a teacher to customize their lessons according to their specific situation, pulling a video from one, two or more channels as appropriate. To learn more about each channel and its purpose go to http://www.kidzonline.org/TechTraining

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What is Teach IT?

Teach IT videos target both students and teachers interested in learning technology skills. The charming hosts and simple language will make you wonder why you ever picked up that 90 lbs. manual on how to use PhotoShop. Each of the Teach IT tutorials are linked to lesson plans that use that specific technology skill in a standards-based, academic lesson for immediate use in the classroom.

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What is KTK Live?

KTK Live! employs sketch comedy to explore the fundamentals of technology. Created and produced by a teenage staff, these fast-paced segments use a combination layman's language and pop culture to prove that technology is fun and exciting. Teachers used KTK Live! to introduce technology skills into the classroom.

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What is Streaming Futures?

Streaming Futures is an online career resource for teens. High-profile professionals from a wide range of careers provide valuable advice and offer real-world insight into their industry. Teachers and school career counselors also use Streaming Futures as a beneficial supplement to a standard classroom curriculum. Video segments are searchable by core curriculum subject areas.

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What is gURL Tech?

gURL Tech showcases women in the field of technology. Female professionals from a large assortment of careers share their expertise and encourage other females to explore the many options presented to them by technology.

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What is TiA?

Technology in Action is a program that allows anyone regardless of skill level or age to submit their work to any of our current competitions. Contestants are eligible to win exciting prizes as well as eternal KOL notoriety. Schools and classrooms use TIA to showcase how they are using technology in their environments to affect student learning and achievement.

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What are KOL Lesson Plans?

Teacher created, curriculum based, engaging, classroom ready lessons for teachers to use with their students. All lesson plans are available in Word format and are fully editable in your word processor. Our lessons are based on the core subject areas and integrate technology based on our Tech Training topics, e.g. Digital Imaging, Webpage Creation or 2D Animation. Teachers can use our lessons plans and technology training videos to integrate innovative student-centered technology projects. To view a sample lesson plan, click here.

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How can I receive assistance when using KOL content in the classroom?

KOL provides support and assistance for teachers, trainers and other educators to use its content in classroom environments. If you are new to KOL and are seeking ideas on how to use our resources in your classes please be sure to look at the Teacher Tool Kit. One of the most effective ways to use our content in your teaching is through our free, online lesson plans. If you are experiencing technical difficulty with the KOL content please contact the staff at staff@kidzonline.org or by phone at 571-203-8990.

Please be sure to look at our Teachers Tool Kit which gives teachers ideas on how to integrate technology in the classroom. Any other additional questions for educators can be found in the Teachers Tool Kit.

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How can educational institutions license KOL content?

KOL contains free resources that can be used in a formal program and/or a classroom environment. We reserve the right to grant licensing on a case to case basis. For more information on licensing KOL content you may contact staff@kidzonline.org or check out www.kidzonline.org/corp/terms.asp for more information on terms of usage.

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If it's free, why would I need to license the KOL content?

Allows individuals access to professional development and our online resources. Institutional (district or state-wide) usage requires authorization and licensing. For more information, please refer to the terms of usage.

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What is Microsoft Class Server?

Microsoft Class Server 3.0 (CS) is a powerful web-based learning management platform that allows teachers to create and deliver lessons online. This robust system includes online assessment and detailed tracking of student performance. Lessons created in CS can be easily shared with other teachers. Once you create, or locate, a lesson in CS you can use it over and over and over! Of course Class Server links to all up-to-date state and provincial standards.

As a leader in education technology integration KOL offers our lesson plans in this format as well as Word doc.

Lessons are easy to create and edit in a teacher-friendly interface that allows not only high schools but teachers and students in elementary grades to easily use this lesson-based tool.

Class Server allows individualized delivery of content to students. It provides educators with a tool to deliver education resources, and evaluation to individual students as well as groups or classes.

KOL is able to extend free trial access to this powerful tool through our relationship with Microsoft.

To learn more about using Microsoft Class Server or to access a link to download the tool send us an email at support@kidzonline.org.

You can also visit Microsoft's website to find more information. Other powerful features about Microsoft Class Server

-the tool automatically will create school and individual class websites for communicating common information to students and parents
-students can access all assignments and projects using a web-browser from any computer with Internet access
-students can attach research, notes and projects electronically to their work space to take home or as a means to submit work to teacher
-auto grading features are available
-includes parent access features
-IMS, SIF and SCORM compliant

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How do you sign into or out of your account?

You can sign in using the "login" button on the top right of every page. To sign out

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I forgot my password what should I do?

If you have forgotten your KOL user password please e-mail us at Staff@KidzOnline.org and we will assist you.

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Are the videos compatible with Macintosh?

Yes, all the KOL videos are compatible with the Macintosh OS provided it is using the latest Internet Explorer and Microsoft Media Player

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Once I have downloaded a video how do I watch it?

To watch the KOL video you have downloaded you must have the latest version of Windows Media Player on your computer. Please note, you have to watch the video once while connected to the internet in order for the DRM to work. To download the latest version of Windows Media Player go to http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/9series/player.aspx

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Which version of Windows Media player do I need to watch Kidz Online videos?

To watch any of the KOL videos our minimum requirement for Windows Media Player is version 6.4 though we recommend you download the latest free version. If you do not have the latest version you can download it on the Microsoft website http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/9series/player.aspx

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Is Windows Media Player the only compatible media player for the videos?

Yes, you need Windows Media Player to watch our KOL videos. If you do not have the latest version you can download a free version on http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/9series/player.aspx

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Where can I download Windows Media Player?

To download a free version of the latest Windows Media Player go to http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/9series/player.aspx

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What is DRM?

Windows Media digital rights management (DRM) protects and securely delivers playback for KOL's video content and once you are a registered user you then have access to download the secured videos. Registering at KOL enables you to obtain 'licenses' to use KOL content from your hard drive, these licenses are free and available to all of our registered users. Once a video is downloaded from our site, you need to play it while connected to the internet to have the license transferred to your computer. Integrating our content into another format or packaging with other content requires proper attribution including obtaining a licensing agreement. If you have questions about obtaining a license contact us at staff@kidzonline.org.

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Windows Media Player failed to receive a DRM license. What can I do?

Please verify that you are connected to the internet when supplying the media player with your Username/Password. You only need to be connected to the internet during this process. After the licensing is complete, you may watch the videos for up to 3 months offline without relicensing the video.

Other problems may include an outdated Windows Media Player. Please make sure you have the latest version. If the problem continues, please contact Staff@KidzOnline.org and include as much information about your computer and media player as possible.

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What should I do if my activation e-mail is not displaying any of the links provided?

If your activation e-mail did not display the links provided in the e-mail, it is most likely because of your e-mail service. To visit the links provided you can copy the URL and paste it into your browser. If the problem continues please e-mail us at Staff@KidzOnline.org and we will assist you.

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My activation e-mail is cutting off the links provided within the e-mail, what should I do?

If this problem occurs please e-mail us at Staff@KidzOnline.org and we will assist you.

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What does the KOL search tool allow me to do?

The KOL website is designed to put the content you want at your fingertips. The Search function in both the Tech Training and Lesson Plans sections allows you to find training and learning resources by keywords. The Lesson Plans section allows you to further filter your search by teacher friendly terms such as subject and grade.

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How can I get involved with Kidz Online?

If you wish to learn more about careers opportunities, internships, or other projects with KOL you should contact us at staff@kidzonline.org.

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Does Kidz Online offer internships?

Yes, KOL offers internships where students can gain onsite experience using professional equipment in a unique work environment. We provide hands on experience in web development, video production and digital imaging. For more information about internships contact the staff at KOL at staff@kidzonline.org or by phone at 571-203-8990.

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How can I contact the staff at Kidz Online?

To contact the staff at KOL e-mail us at staff@kidzonline.org or visit our KOL contact page http://www.kidzonline.org/corp/contact.asp.

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