Welcome to Happy Teachers Academy (HTA) #

Welcome to Happy Teachers Academy (HTA)! This platform has been carefully developed to provide online English teachers—especially those teaching young learners—with high-quality training and resources. In this introductory video, you’ll get a guided walkthrough of the key features of the HTA Dashboard and learn how to navigate the platform effectively.

Watch the video below for a visual introduction, and then read on for a breakdown of each feature.

The Dashboard #

Welcome to Happy Teachers Academy (HTA) #

Welcome to Happy Teachers Academy (HTA)! This platform has been carefully developed to provide online English teachers—especially those teaching young learners—with high-quality training and resources. In this introductory video, you’ll get a guided walkthrough of the key features of the HTA Dashboard and learn how to navigate the platform effectively.

Watch the video below for a visual introduction, and then read on for a breakdown of each feature.

Understanding the HTA Dashboard #

The Dashboard is your home base on HTA. It provides an overview of your activity, achievements, and upcoming training opportunities. This section will help you understand the different elements available to you and how to maximize their benefits.

1. Ranks and Levels #

• In the top right corner, you’ll notice a rank indicator.
• Your rank increases based on your participation in training, interactions, and contributions on the platform.
• The more active you are, the higher your level, unlocking new content and opportunities.
• Ranks are structured to encourage consistent engagement, rewarding you as you progress in skill and participation.
• Some workshops and courses may require a minimum rank to access, ensuring that learners are adequately prepared.

2. Digital Badges #

• HTA rewards digital badges for completing workshops, courses, and various platform activities.
• These badges are collectible and serve as proof of your achievements.
• New users are encouraged to earn Foundation Badges first to get familiar with the platform.
• Different types of badges include:
  • Foundation Badges: Earned by completing introductory activities and familiarizing yourself with the platform.
  • Training Badges: Awarded upon completion of specific workshops and courses.
  • Engagement Badges: Given for active participation in discussions, events, and collaborative activities.
  • Special Badges: Occasionally issued for unique contributions, such as mentoring or assisting in content creation.

5. Events Calendar #

• Stay up to date with upcoming live workshops, training sessions, and special events.
• The Events Calendar gives a clear view of all scheduled activities, allowing you to plan ahead.
• Events include:
  • Live Training Workshops – Interactive, instructor-led sessions covering various teaching techniques.
  • Q&A Sessions – Opportunities to ask questions and receive guidance from experienced educators.
  • Community Meetups – Networking events to connect with fellow teachers and trainers.
  • Special Webinars – Guest speakers discussing important topics in online ESL teaching.
• Clicking on an event provides detailed information, including time, location (virtual classroom), and participation requirements.

6. Groups #

• HTA features community groups for specific topics, workshops, and discussions.
• These groups function as forums where educators can share ideas, ask questions, and engage in topic-specific conversations.
• If you enroll in a live workshop, you may be added to a related group for focused discussions.
• Benefits of joining groups:
  • Access exclusive content related to the group’s theme.
  • Engage with other teachers facing similar challenges.
  • Receive direct updates and resources from trainers.
  • Participate in group activities and peer collaboration.

7. Blog Section #

• Interested in reading or writing about online teaching?
• The HTA Blog provides valuable articles, teaching tips, and success stories from educators.
• Topics covered include:
  • Best practices for teaching online.
  • Strategies to improve student engagement.
  • Reviews of teaching tools and software.
  • Insights into the evolving landscape of online ESL education.
• Teachers can contribute to the blog, sharing their own experiences and expertise with the community.

8. Idea Space #

• This is a collaborative space where teachers can brainstorm and share ideas.
• Use it to discuss teaching strategies, request feedback, or suggest improvements for the HTA platform.
• The Idea Space is structured into:
  • Discussion Threads: Post ideas and engage in conversation with other educators.
  • Voting System: Community members can vote on the most useful ideas.
  • Implementation Updates: The HTA team reviews top ideas and provides feedback on feasibility.
• Whether you want to propose a new workshop topic or suggest a feature for the platform, the Idea Space is the place to be!

9. Getting Started #

To make the most of HTA, here’s what you should do first:

1. Explore your Dashboard to familiarize yourself with the layout.
2. Check your rank and start earning points by engaging with content.
3. Earn your Foundation Badges to get started on the right track.
4. Join relevant groups to connect with like-minded educators.
5. Visit the Events Calendar to register for upcoming training sessions.
6. Read blog posts and stay informed on the latest teaching strategies.
7. Engage in Idea Space to contribute and shape the platform’s future.
8. Check your tags to see how your activity is categorized and find tailored content.

19. What’s Next? #

This is just the first look at the Dashboard. The platform is in Beta Testing, and we will continue to release new features and improvements. Stay tuned for updates, and check back for more tutorial videos.

If you have any questions or need support, feel free to reach out via the platform’s discussion forums or support channels.

See you in the next video, where we dive deeper into more features of HTA!