ETEC561: Section 3- Evaluating, implementing, and managing instructional program and projects

Evaluation using the Logic Model

The logic model allows program planners to categorize the technology into situation, input, output, outcomes and evaluation study sections which specific goals. The noted advantage of the logic model is to measure the impact on large scale issues such as decreasing teenage pregnancy rates, increasing retention, etc.

The situation is determined by identifying the overall "problem", which the tool intends to reveal, so programmers are able to identify research, relevance and a starting point for the end of the evaluation process. Inputs are identified as the resources which were invested to complete the program, tangible or intangible. Outcomes are identified through the program resources that are provided to the learner, previously determined learning outcomes and quantitative/qualitative data regarding the participants. Outcomes can be divided into short-, medium- and long-term for a comprehensive assessment of the program. The last component, evaluation plan, assesses all of the planning phases by looking for indicators to confirm the input and output goals and to measure the learning outcomes indicated. 

As an instructor I would use this model because it has a comprehensive evaluation model to look at each phase of planning versus just outcomes. It puts more accountability on the programming team. This would be a great tool to use with media production students to evaluate their message, the invested resources, the product, and what the intention of the program is and was that message received. Often times students are focused on the creation of the product and lose sight of the message and its impact.

Source: Paul F. McCawley, Associate Director, University of Idaho Extension

Google+ Hangout = Love at first sight

I've recently starting using Hangout to conduct committee meetings, mentor/mentee life chats, social hangouts and for academic purposes. The relative advantage is that I get to see people face-to-face in real time. The ability to make "physical" personal connections is wildly underestimated in a world of Facebook, Twitter and blogs. The compatibility of Hangout comes from meeting my need to physically see people since I'm deaf and read lips. With the click of a button Hangout detects if a computer has a microphone and web cam attached or built in and then allows you to enter the room. Up to nine people can join one Hangout session so it's a great collaborative tool for small groups, committees and meetings. Last but not least Hangout is FREE and if you're not sure whether its for you Google has made some videos to show off. Enjoy!

Introducing new technology via situational leadership

According to Reiser & Dempsey (2007) developing a situational leadership style should be unique to one's personal character, style, and adaptive over time and with various audiences. Theoretically, I have several professional development sessions lined up to explore technology use. As a part my preparation and to assess the educator's prior knowledge I would either send out a pre-test prior to the first session or spend time at the beginning of the first session giving a pre-test. This would allow me to tailor my leadership style to the participants needs. For example, if the attendees had little background knowledge of the planned topics I would make my instructions very brief, specific and allow for breaks to prevent the feeling of being overwhelmed. However, if the pre-test assessment indicated a higher level of technology literacy I may be able to introduce technology concepts that build upon basic skills, break the attendees up into small group and assign a task involving integration, or allow group and individuals to present on technology integration. Ideally the first scenario would also experience the collaborative instruction experience before the end of the series however, it may not be as in depth.

For chuckles...