Norm Christopherson EDU 697 Dr.

Christopher Sorenson September 2, 2013

This assignment demonstrates PLO 4 & 8

Apply research to support learning in a technology-enriched environment.

Demonstrate the ability to make informed decisions regarding the use of technology in support of learning and leadership

If You Dont Measure It, You Dont Know!

Informed decisions require quality information and information of the right type.
Research is the primary method of gathering data, information and that which serves as the basis for informed decisions. In the following prior learning project from an earlier class the research involved comparing a traditional face-to-face delivery of a particular course to the same course delivered as an online elearning offering. Digital technology tools allow for the collection and analysis of the two delivery methods to be conducted more efficiently, more effectively and more accurately with less human effort.

Related Principles & Theory Collecting data for the purpose of making course quality and effectiveness decisions is partly cognitive by nature. The instructor/education manager acquires information and knowledge in the form of data for the purpose of analyzing, structuring, organizing and sequencing data for use in making decisions.

Constructivism principles are also involved as the instructor/manager team merges their prior knowledge and experience in education with the new data recently acquired from the current research project.

Technologies Used Excel. Excel will be used to collect and compile student scores, time on task, exam results and comparative costs to create, develop and deliver the courses.

Survey Monkey. Survey Monkey will be used to collect student experiences and instructor opinions regarding both course offerings. Wiki. Two course wikis will be created, one for each course. Students in each course will be asked to comment on the course they are enrolled in so that the two wikis can be compared and analyzed at the conclusion of the project.

Difficulties Encountered Determining which of the vast number of technologies available are most suitable for collecting and analyzing the necessary data seemed to be the most difficult part of the process. A vast number of digital tools are available and additional tools are created on a regular basis. It seems necessary to have a school or corporate specialist assigned to the task of Technology Resource Director or a similar position.

Time is a constant difficulty when creating or revising any project. The tools of technology allow for a higher quality, more professional and more effective educational project, program, lesson or presentation. However, it takes time to select, learn and apply the tools of technology appropriate for the task or desired outcome.

Ethical Concerns

Ethics in the use of technology is not a one time topic. The ethical use of the tools of technology seem to become more apparent with technology as the vast bank of resources and web based materials is open to explore and use. In addition, the ethical use of the personal digital information about the learners themselves is an issue that must be dealt with by everyone including other students. For the present assignment it is essential that those with access to the raw data maintain the privacy of each student and only share the final overall results such as trends and group percentages.

References
Clark, R. (2008). E-Learning and the Science of Instruction: Proven Guidelines for Consumers and Designers of Multimedia Learning, 2nd Edition. Pfeiffer & Company. San Francisco. Lin, H. (2007). The ethics of instructional technology: issues and coping strategies experienced by professional technologists in design and training situations in higher education. Educational Technology Research and Development. Retrieved from http://edweb.sdsu.edu/courses/ed690mb/ethics.pdf McDavid, J.C., & Hawthorn. L.L. (2006). Program evaluation & performance measurement: An introduction to practice. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage

Mager, R. F., (1997). Measuring Instructional Results. Center for Effective Performance, Inc. Atlanta, GA

Acme Corporation is a fictitious firm used in this assignment to illustrate the use of research in education. This sample is only one of a vast number of possible ways research can be used in education. Furthermore, educational research can benefit greatly from the use of technology tools for performing that research more effectively, more efficiently and more cost effectively.

EDU 618

Assessment of Learning Outcomes with Technology

Dr. Thinh Nguyen

submitted by
Norm Christopherson

10-22-12

Acme Corporation designs, sells & installs

Computer based networking linked building energy management control systems. The Learning & Development group supports our field technicians and customers through educational courses directly related to what we design, sell and install. All of our courses are in-person classroom courses. We expend much of our budget on travel, hotels, rental cars and meals at remote locations.

Concern

Our corporate Learning & Development group is offering remotely delivered online versions of our classroom courses How do online versions of a course compare to the classroom version? We could benefit from a structured and controlled evaluation comparing the two delivery methods

Do online versions of a course save money? How much can an online course save compared to the cost of the classroom version of the same course? (cost analysis)

How do the two delivery methods compare in transfer of learning?

Are there additional hidden benefits to online courses compared to classroom courses? Are there unforeseen deficits?

Our ultimate goal is to evaluate the two delivery systems and determine what the gains (if any) and losses (if any) are. Shall we develop a carefully planned and structured evaluation program to collect the required data to answer our questions?

Parallel evaluation of both delivery systems

Traditional classroom delivery

Inputs

Processes

Outputs

Final Assessment

Online delivery via the web

References

McDavid, J.C., & Hawthorn. L.L. (2006). Program evaluation & performance measurement: An introduction to practice. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Mager, R. F., (1997). Measuring Instructional Results. Center for Effective Performance, Inc. Atlanta, GA