Section 3: Evaluating, Implementing and Managing Instructional Programs and Projects

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. 

The ADDIE instructional design model provides a step-by-step process that helps trainers plan and creates training programs. This model revolves around the following five components: ·          Analysis ·          Design ·          Development ·          Implementation ·          Evaluation These five stages of the ADDIE model encompass the entire training development process; from the time someone first asks, "What do people need to learn?" all the way to the point where someone actually measures, "Did people learn what they needed?" I would use this model to gather the needs of my students.  After determining my students’ needs, I will design the lesson plan according to their needs.  I will administer an assessment to evaluate my lesson.

The symbol of the wheel is to represent curriculum as an ongoing, cyclical process, beginning with design, moving through to resource development, teaching, assessment, student support and then evaluation of how it all went. The information pick up from evaluation leads back into re-designing the unit, and the whole process starts over again. Evaluation appears as a separate phase in the cycle, but it also strengthens the whole process of the wheel. Evaluation needs to occur in all segments or phases in the wheel if we are to achieve best practice in our various activities. I would use this wheel to design my lesson by gathering my resources/materials needed for the lesson, teaching the planned lesson to my students, assessing my students for understanding, supporting my students based upon the assessment, and finally evaluating/reflecting my performance on the particular lesson.

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?

My district implemented the Curriculum on Wheels (COWs) for 3^rd through 5^th grades.  This product was created as a pilot for 3^rd, 4^th and 5^th grade subjects such as Math, Science, and Social Studies.  The idea of the COWs was a mobile laptop that is specifically geared to a particular subject that compliments the TEKS objectives.  The COWs were greatly welcomed by teachers; therefore, the district decided to purchase the software to be installed on the district’s server for all grade level teachers to gain access to the software application.

Relative Advantage: Innovation is being better than the idea itself.

Provides necessary materials such as prepared lesson plans, video clips, and articles for teachers to use with their lesson plans

Helps provide test taking strategies for the TAKS

Compatibility: Innovation meets the need of users.

Aligned with TEKS objective 

Focused on only one subject per device

Complexity: Innovation is or is not relatively difficult to understand and use.

COWs were very easy to use, just like working on a desktop computer.

Nothing was complicated with this machine.

Trialability: Innovation may be experimented on a limited basis.

The COWs was a pilot program for two years at my district before they decided to purchase the software licenses for the entire district accessibility.

Observability: Innovation’s results are visible to others.

Teachers noticed an increase in assessment scores such as the TAKS and Curriculum Based Assessment (CBA).

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? 

First, I will outline an overview of type of topics and necessary resources teachers have requested from the previous years and what type of technologies they have in the classrooms..  Second, I will observe teachers to see how willing and comfortable they are implementing accessible technologies into their lessons. Third, I will develop a plan with the teachers to help and support them with the necessary resources and technologies needed to assist the teacher to better facilitate her lessons. Finally, I will monitor and frequently ask the teachers for questions and/or comments.