Friday, February 11, 2011

Section 3: Evaluating, Implementing and Managing Instructional Programs and Projects DUE: 02/11

All too often instruction is developed with little thought as to how evaluation of learning will occur, or the evaluation of the effectiveness of the instruction. Evaluation is usually an afterthought - an add on. It's time to start thinking about evaluation on the front end of the instructional design process.
Additionally, there is resistance to the adoption of technological innovations and we must develop an understanding of why and how to facilitate the adoption of innovations with an understanding of why there is resistance.
For this week's reflection activities, I would like for you to concentrate on the following:
1.     Chapter 10 discusses evaluation in instructional design and provides you with two evaluation models, the CIPP and Kirkpatrick models for evaluation. Search for at least two other models used for evaluation and summarize these models. Describe how you would use them to evaluate your instruction.

Process evaluation
“Process evaluation uses empirical data to assess the delivery of programs. In contrast to outcome evaluation, which assesses the impact of the program, process evaluation verifies what the program is and whether it is being implemented as designed. Thus, process evaluation asks "what," and outcome evaluation asks, "so what?"

When conducting a process evaluation, keep in mind these three
questions:
·        What is the program intended to be?
·        What is delivered, in reality?
·        Where are the gaps between program design and delivery?”

“Behavioral Objectives Approach
This approach focuses on the degree to which the objectives of a program, product, or process have been achieved.
The major question guiding this kind of evaluation is, Is the program, product, or process achieving its objectives?”

2.     Think about a technological innovation within your social system that was recently introduced (social system = place of work, home, etc.). Any innovation has what is known as perceived attributes - relative advantage, compatibility, complexity, trialability, and observability. Describe these attributes of the innovation and which of the attributes assisted and/or hindered adoption of the innovation. For example, was it not compatible with the existing beliefs of the system or was it overly complex to use or understand?
Before working for the FAA I was a substitute. Because I get lost a lot I changed cell phones from basic to a smart phone so I could have a GPS system with me at all times. This required a data plan at a cost of $35 (feature) which changed to $15 monthly. That monthly charge could have paid for a GPS for my car. But I wanted the security of knowing who ever/where ever I was I wanted to have my GPS-not in my car. I do not think I am using my money wisely because the other features like the Internet, MicroSoft Office, Email etc… I do not use. Having that GPS with me at all times is a comfort so the innovation by ATT meets my need.
3.     Chapter's 12 & 13 focus on project management and how to manage projects when resources are scarce. You have been assigned to develop a series of professional development sessions focusing on technology use in the classroom for teachers. How will you use Situational Leadership to facilitate this project?
I would set specific times to facilitate this project as a leader to partner and guide individuals with a plan for professional growth and to accomplish management goals together.




Thursday, February 3, 2011

Section two - theories and models for learning and instruction

Section two of your textbook focuses on theories and models for learning and instruction. It is important to be aware of one's learning style as well as know about the various theories for designing instruction for teaching and learning. For this week's reflection activities, I would like for you to focus on the following:
  • Identify a specific learning goal and how you would incorporate two learning theories highlighted in Chapter 4 to achieve this goal.
Goal: Engage with misunderstood students better
Theories: Behavioral Learning Theory and Gagne’s Theory of instruction
  • Find a reference (other than the book) that describes Gagne’s Nine Events of Instruction. Then create a table or chart that compares and contrasts those events with the first principles described in chapter 7 and describe how you would apply each of the first principles to the goal you've developed from the first activity in this reflection.
Gagne's 9 Events of Instruction
What is it?
Foundations in Education
Gagne's book, The Conditions of Learning, first published in 1965, identified the mental conditions for learning. These were based on the information processing model of the mental events that occur when adults are presented with various stimuli. Gagne created a nine-step process called the events of instruction, which correlate to and address the conditions of learning.

http://www.citt.ufl.edu/toolbox/toolbox_gagne9Events.phpGagne’s 9 Events of Instruction

Gagne’s 9 Steps                                         First Principles

Gain attention
Activation
Inform learners of objectives
Problem
Stimulate recall of prior learning
Application
Present the content
Demonstration
Provide "learning guidance"
Integration
Elicit performance (practice).
Activation
Provide feedback
Application
Assess performance
Demonstration
Enhance retention and transfer to the job
Application


Goal: Engage with misunderstood students better: Students that are misunderstood usually are labeled based on their behavior, however these at risk youth are at risk not because of their behavior, but the cause; which could be lack of  food, problems at home, instability etc…applying Gagne’s 9 steps and the First Principles would be a help.
  • Develop a new goal or using the one you've already developed, briefly describe how you might use the whole-task approach, scaffolding, and mathemagenic methods to help students learn to perform a task.
Goal: Engage with misunderstood students better: I would use the whole-task approach, scaffolding, and mathemagenic methods to help students learn to perform a task by performing single to integrated objectives and teaching to transfer from teaching for test.
  • You have been hired to design a course for a topic in your area of specialization. Using Table 9.2 as a template, what would you incorporate into each subcategory to motivate learners?
Attention/Presentation
Relevance/Balance
Confidence/Endurance
Satisfaction/Success
  • Finally, after completing these activities, discuss the benefits of engaging in design research. For me I am very visual-Charts, Tables, Graphs. I find it would
    I find it would be very beneficial. Visuals help me understand better.