There are many ways to approach a new unit design and many resources at hand when using the ALPS site. Below are some ideas for using the CCDT to develop Generative Topics (GTs).

Note: You may want to print this page to have it in hand as you follow these directions.

• Go to your ALPS backpack (you must be a registered user to have a backpack) and click on "Start a new design."

• Give your new design a name and press the "Next>" button.

• Use the drop-down menu under "Add new pages" and choose Teaching for Understanding (the framework components will then show up in your unit design)

• Click on Generative Topics (you will find that there are questions there to help you begin thinking about your GTs)

• For detailed explanations on developing GTs, click on the "Help on Generative Topics" button at the bottom of your design page. This will take you to a table of contents with links to such descriptions as key features of generative topics, examples of generative topics, and common questions about generative topics.

• To look at examples of GTs in completed units or units in progress by practicing teachers, check out the shared designs page (click on the "Exit to design list" button in the top right hand corner of your first design page. Then click on "Build" at the top of the page. Under #1 "The Collaborative Curriculum Design Tool (CCDT)," choose from the bulleted list, "View the collections of units that members have posted for sharing.").

• If you find it necessary to work offline, but you have questions about transferring your text to your new design, click on the "CCDT Help" button at the top of your first design page. Here, you will find help on topics such as copying text from your word processing software to your design page, and more.