Blog #12 week ending Dec 3, 2007

Entry #1

When going through the evaluation process it is important to develop the proper measurement instruments which can include test, questionnaires, and surveys. In the book it says surveys could present the most difficulty because it can be difficult to at least a 50% return. I believe the best choice of instrument could be a combination of a test and questionnaire. The test could prove if the subject was able to retain the new information that was being taught. After the test the subject could answer a questionnaire so that you can find out what they liked, didn’t like, and what could be improved. Feedback lets you know how you did with developing a learning tool. After you receive feedback you are able to make any changes so that you can begin developing a new training program for next time.

Entry #2

The semester has come to a close. This is my last blog entry for TSTM 544. It has been a fast semester and we are finishing up our design project. This week we had to develop our Camtasia video for one of our modules. It took me awhile to get what I wanted, but I think my video turned out better than I had thought. With the design project about over I am turning my focus onto the quiz 3 that was assigned to us. I got my questions written out. The only problem I am running into is scheduling a time to meet and conduct the interview. With classes coming to an end with reviews/studying for exams and work it is becoming more difficult than I thought. I think everything will work out in the end and I will make the grade I want in this class. =)

Blog #11 week ending Nov 26, 2007

Entry #1

The evaluation process is one of the most important steps to understand. This step will let you know if all the time you spent on the project was worth it or not. It is important to develop an evaluation strategy. This helps you to determine the level of evaluation and how you are going to measure them. In the book the evaluation strategy is separated into 4 components. The learning strategy tells you want you wanted to get out of the project. The e-learning strategy lets you know what you need to invest in technology wise. The evaluation strategy lets you know what criteria to base things on and the evaluation plan is developed for each project. Once you know the evaluation strategy it will be help you know how you will rate the project as a success or failure and what needs or doesn’t need to be changed.

Entry #2

The semester is winding down. We only have 2 more weeks of school. We finished up our Wiki projects last week and only have a few more people to make their presentations. The rest of the semester is going to be finishing up our design project. We have submitted our reviews of our first Camtasia video and the reviews of our modules. I’m not sure what our assignments are going to be regarding the design project. I know we have to finalize our modules and create at least one Camtasia video for out modules per group member. After that then the project is done. So far I think we have done a great job on our design project which was on the introduction to learning how to use GIMP. I can’t wait to see it all put together. We also have a quiz 3 to do. Thankfully she gave us to Dec 10th to turn it in. Hopefully I can get that done this weekend.

Blog #10 week ending Nov 13, 2007

Entry #1

When the project has been completed and implemented it is time to move onto the evaluation process. Through evaluation you are able to see if all your hard work paid off. The book talks about the four levels of evaluation. They are reaction, knowledge, performance, and impact. The reaction measures the participants’ initial response and impressions to what is being introduced. This is important because what you developed was to be tailored to those who are going to be using it the most. Overall you want to make sure they like what is being introduced. Knowledge measures if the participants’ acquire the right skill from what is being introduced. You want to make sure they are able to do what is asked of them and that is doesn’t involve too much training. Performance measures behavior and attitude. If the participants’ do not seem to accept what is being introduced then it will be hard to implement and could result in extra money being spent. Finally, impact measures the ROI. When you implement a new project/program you want to make sure your business will be making some sort of revenue. Going through the levels of evaluation you will be able to decide if your project/program is a success or a failure.

Entry #2

The semester is winding down and so are our projects. Last week we wrapped up our discussions on our Wiki project. Mine did not move as smoothly as I had wanted, but hopefully everything will come together for the presentation next week. The design project is moving along nicely. We are in the process of adding our screen shots and making sure everything looks the same. With the screen shots some of us ran into problems with GIMPshop loading properly. It would not open without an error. Thankfully we were able to overcome this obstacle and got the screen shots we needed for our modules. We will be doing the second evaluation of our modules before we move onto making the videos and transferring the modules from a Word document to the web. Due dates are coming fast and it is important not to lose track of time. I can’t wait to see how ours will look in the end…our team has done a great job so far.

Blog #9 week ending Nov 5, 2007

Entry #1

It is getting towards the end of the semester and we are beginning to wrap things up in TSTM 544. On Tuesday Dr. Keane told us a number of the remaining classes are going to be labs so that we can focus on our design project due at the end of the semester. We are to decide what we would like to do during class time and what we would like to do out of class time. I feel neutral about this idea. I like the idea of having class time to get assignments done. However, I also like to do work at home or at my job if I have down time. It is always nice to be able to decide where you want to do something I just don’t want to be penalized i.e. occur absences because I feel I didn’t need to go to class. The only problem I have with this class is that there is a lot of downtime. I either like to do these on my own time, i.e. at home or at work, or during class, but it doesn’t take 1hour and 15 minutes to complete the task. Sometimes we are not allowed to leave early and I feel that then time is wasted. I think if there are days when nothing is scheduled that we can make the decision to stay or leave.

Entry #2

Things are wrapping up on both our Wiki project and design project. It is the last two weeks of our Wiki project and things didn’t quite go as I had planned for my topic. I didn’t get as much of a discussion going as I would have liked. I think this is because my topic was a little harder to understand than others. I didn’t get some feedback from my post, but not as much as others to carry on a good discussion.
As with the Wiki project, the design project is moving on smoothly. We are finishing up the drafts of our modules and soon will begin to make our videos and post things to our website. My modules are almost done; I just have to add some challenges for the learner. I’m not sure how I am going to do the challenges. I will have to look at the GCF website to get an idea of what the learners can do to better understand the program. I can’t wait to see what everything will look like when we are done.

Blog #8 week ending Oct 29, 2007

Entry #1

Distance learning can be difficult both for the teacher and students. I agree with the book that distance learning can run into a number of issues. You get the same issues as a traditional classroom, but you also run into issues with coordination and scheduling. You also cannot depend on technology. If not set up properly technology can cause delay on the schedule. This happened in my TSTM 343 class which was a distance learning course with other USC satellite campuses. Fortunately, we were the ‘parent’ class and didn’t have to rely on technology too much. The other campuses did run into some problems. They sometimes had problems hearing the lecture as well as seeing the PowerPoint presentations. I would much rather be in a traditional classroom than a distance learning classroom. I know it can’t be much different, but somehow I feel I would get a better understanding with a teacher being present in the classroom. I do have to end up taking a distance education course I would hope the teacher would follow the procedure the book lists:
¨ Develop script and materials
¨ Shoot and edit video
¨ Rehearse the presentation
¨ Broadcast the session
Following these steps should ensure a successful course.

Entry #2

This week we took a break from learning more about Camtasia and focused on our CDS and drafting up our first modules. Finally we are able to move away from our objectives and get working on the design aspect of our project. With our CDS getting final approval we can move onto our modules. By Tuesday we are to submit a draft on one of the modules; I did ‘What is GIMPshop?’. I’m not sure if I did it right, but hopefully I am going into the right direction. This module is more of an introduction to our project and won’t really follow the standards of the other modules. With the semester coming to an end faster than I would like it is important to try and get things out of the way. Small assignments and projects are building up and I don’t want to get stressed out about it. Thankfully for this design project we develop of schedule of due dates that will help me schedule everything so that things don’t pile up. I like to get assignments complete ahead of time, but unfortunately I also like to procrastinate. I will just have to make sure I make time for everything I need to focus on and get it done.

Blog #7 week ending Oct 22, 2007

Entry #1

Computer-based learning environments can greatly enhance learning. It gives the teacher an alternate way to deliver new learning materials. Because we are moving into a more ‘digital world’, computer-based learning is an interest to students. Students know a lot about technology and having the opportunity to learn new material on the computer gives them the opportunity to learn and to enhance their skills with technology depending on the type of technology being used. In the book there are four procedures to develop a computer-based course:
Create storyboards
Create and assemble media elements
Perform online reviews
Deliver and implement the course
Following these procedures will result in a computer-based system that will greatly help students learn new material. Take time creating a storyboard and assembling media elements so that you know what exactly is going to be taught through the computer-based application/program. Make sure feedback is considered from the reviews. This will help you tailor the application/program to the ways the participants will get the most out of the application. Finally you deliver and implement the course and hope the students learn what is expected from them.Computer-based learning is an excellent way to introduce new learning materials.

Entry #2

In class on Thursday we were introduced to a new software application called Camtasia. I have heard of Camtasia before, but have never used it. It seems like a cool program. Camtasia is where you can record what is happening on the computer screen to use as tutorials. We are at the very beginning stages of learning the new program. When I learn new software I like to use the program hands on. I feel that is the best way to learn. I do look at tutorials just to get an idea to know what to look at when using the program.
We will be using Camtasia when developing our tutorial for GIMPshop. I consider myself an auditory and visual learner and I think adding these video tutorials to our design project will add an extra element to the whole project. The design project is moving along and I like that we are learning a new application along with it.

Blog #6 week ending Oct. 16, 2007

Entry #1

In the book they list four approaches to learning: visual, auditory, olfactory, and tactile/kinesthetic. After reading what each approach means I find myself in between being a visual and auditory learner. I prefer a class that include lecture. I feel I get an understanding of what is being taught if I hear it from someone that knows about the topic being taught. However, if they do not know how to properly communicate that information it can be difficult to understand and I might need that information repeated. As much as I am an auditory leaner I also need visuals to help me better understand some concepts that I might have difficultly processing. Having visual examples of what is being taught helps me combine with what is being taught to what I can see i.e. using examples, hands-on, etc.

Entry #2

We are in the beginning stages of both of our class projects: wiki discussion and design project. For our wiki discussion we are to comment on two posts and a moderator post each week. I find I will have enough to say with the two posts I am to leave on other topics, but I find the difficulty on the moderator posts. There are so many topics that your topic might not be commented on. I have run into that difficulty this week. Hopefully by the end of the five weeks I will get a discussion going on one of my moderator questions. I just hope that we won’t be penalized if no discussion happens on our topic.
We are still at the beginning stages of our design project as we are still writing objectives. I feel like we are somewhat repeating what happened last year in TSTM 444 where we spent a lot of time on the needs assessment except this time we are spending a lot of time on writing objectives. I don’t think it will be difficult actually putting together the design portion of the project I just don’t want to feel rushed like I did in 444. After fall break we are moving into Camtasia so hopefully other aspects will begin to get completed.

Blog #5 week ending Oct. 4, 2007

Entry #1

It is important to organize content so that it gives students a learning environment where they can access and learn information in a way that is comfortable to them. The book lists a number of principles of how people learn. I am going to choose a few and explain why I think they are important.
Use review in learning: Using review keeps the information the student has recently been taught current. With review the student does not forget what is important and is able to retain that information and repeat it more.
Use examples and demonstrations: Using examples and demonstrations helps illustrate visually what is being taught. Something that might have been unclear to the student during the lecture can trigger something in the mind when the student sees an example.
Use clear assignments and directions: If the assignment/directions are unclear for the student they become stuck and frustrated and sometimes do not finish the assignment. Making it easier to understand allows the student to better understand the material and prep any questions that might arise from doing the assignment.

Entry #2

A moderator is someone who oversees discussions on a forum. We are beginning our moderator duties for our wiki project. Each week we will be moderating our discussions and hopefully get a good turn out. I was a little nervous at the beginning about running my own discussion. I was thinking, “What questions am I going to ask?” or “What if my discussion stalls?” But before we began our moderations we had to research our topic, with mine being eLearning 2.0. I learned a lot about my topic and am interested in what the other students have to say about my topic. We will be moderating our discussions for five weeks and hopefully my topic will interest others and I will learn something new that I haven’t thought of already.

Blog #4 week ending Sept. 27, 2007

Entry #1

There are a lot of elements to keep in mind when working on a multimedia project. One area that should always be looked at and updated is the project schedule. Usually there is one person called a project manager that keeps track of the scheduling. However, like the book states most of the time instructional designers or other multimedia team members find themselves serving as project manager without any experience. Not keeping up with the project schedule can result in a number of setbacks which can include overspending, time setback, or even project failure. In the book they list three activities in creating a project schedule:
- Document general project information
- List project deliverables
- Schedule project activities
Documenting what the purpose of the project, obstacles and constraints, etc. helps you begin to think about the route you are going to take when developing the project. Next you want to list the project deliverables. Knowing the project deliverables and milestones let you and the team know what is of the most importance in the project. Finally, scheduling project activities lets everyone know their role in the project, know the timeline, and make sure the deliverables are delivered on time. Making sure everything runs smoothing is important and looking at the schedule and updating it continuously will guarantee a successful project.

Entry #2

We have moved into the next stage of our Wiki project. Last week we were assigned to find five articles dealing with our topic; mine being eLearning 2.0. When I began my search I thought it would be no problem. How hard could it be to find five articles? Well… it took a little more time than I had expected. When I tried to Google and various other search engines I could not find any articles. I could find plenty of blog entries, but those are not considered articles. I soon realized that maybe my topic was too new to write on. After some more time searching for articles I decided to try something new. I used different phrases to try and find more articles. That is when I found success. Using words like advantage and Learning 2.0 I was able to find my five articles and to begin writing my summaries. I have learned a lot about eLearning 2.0 while doing this project. There are a lot of applications and resources out there to help enhance learning. I am interested in how the discussion aspect of this project will turn out.

Blog #3 week ending Sept. 20, 2007

Entry #1

In our book it states that there are five domains in which learning occurs: cognitive, affective, motor, psychomotor, and metacognitive. It has useful information on four of the five, for example, the use of tables to help better understand the domains. However, for metacognitive they state it is least written about and least understood. But why? I do agree with the book that the metacognitive domain is the most important of all the domains. It is a combination of all of the domains. People learn things in different ways and the metacognitive domain focuses on the different ways people learn how to accomplish a number of things; whether it is through repetition, hands-on, etc. Knowing what works best for you when learning and fine tuning it throughout your life you will be able to learn at a much faster rate. I believe in time more people will have a better understanding of why the metacognitive domain is the most important and will be able to help others find their best way to learn.

Entry #2

In class we are at the beginning stages of our design project and when designing a project you need to make sure the learner knows what the objectives are. I found writing objectives to be more difficult than I thought. When writing objectives there are number of things you need to keep in mind. After looking over the material assigned to us for an assignment I believe I am getting a better understanding of how to write good objectives. In the homework we had to supply our own suggestions to writing objectives and I was going to explain why I think these suggestions are important.

1. Make sure the objective states what the learner is to get out of training – when completing the training if the learner doesn’t know what they are there for they won’t be interested in learning the new material.

2. Include the level that the learner will be able to perform at – when writing the objective it is important to let the learner know if what is being taught is too high or to low for them to comprehend.

3. Make sure the learner understands what is being asked from them – it is important to write the objective in a structure the learner will best understand using words or phrases the learner doesn’t understand turns them away from the training.

4. Make sure the objective is something the learner can reach – giving objectives that are too high to reach can tend to make the learner lose interest because it takes too much time

5. Make sure each objective includes a condition, performance, and criterion – when writing objectives make sure the learner knows what materials/tasks they are given, what they need to do with those, and how much needs to be done from them.

I could still use so more helpful information in writing objectives and hopefully we will learn more in class.

Blog #2 week ending Sept 13, 2007

Entry #1

In our text book they break Assessment/analysis phase into two parts, needs analysis and front-end analysis. In our text book for TSTM 444 the assessment phase only consist of needs analysis which is the systematic way of determining the gap that exists between where the organization is where it wishes to be. What is front-end analysis and why does our textbook separate the assessment phase into two parts? In the book front-end analysis is defined as a collection of techniques that can be used in various combinations to help you bridge the gap by determining what solution(s) will be required. Needs analysis and front-end analysis look similar in meaning; however, the book believes front-end analysis will provide more detailed information. We did an exercise in class on Thursday matching the front-end analysis terms of our current textbook to the needs assessment terms from out previous text book and through the exercise it showed that the needs analysis is very similar to front-end analysis. Personally I don’t think the assessment phase needed to be separated. What is to be done in the front-end analysis portion can easily be done in the needs analysis part eliminating an extra step. Therefore it would allow you to help the company/organization with their needs at a faster rate and still be providing them everything they desire from the training. Adding an extra step doesn’t always help with the problem and could contribute to confusion.

Entry #2

In class on Thursday we began looking for topics that we would lead a discussion for our Wiki project. Dr. Keane gave us time in class to brainstorm ideas on what to do research on. There are tons of information about training and ways of acquiring knowledge and learning. Yet somehow I found it difficult to choose a topic. I wanted to find a topic that I could find enough information to lead a successful discussion and find enough information to complete the research aspect of the project. At first the ideas I was considering were either too broad of a topic or I couldn’t find enough information. Others I thought were already being considered as topics so I decided to find a topic that is being introduced. There is a lot going on today dealing with eLearning. Knowing that it was too broad to do research on I tried to find different types of eLearning. After looking on Answers.com and Wikipedia I finally found the topic to do research on, eLearning 2.0. I was able to find enough information to do research and I believe I will have a successful discussion with this topic. The concept of eLearning 2.0 is growing and I am interested in what other types of eLearning I fill find will doing this Wiki project…eLearning 3.0 maybe?

Blog #1 week ending Sept 6, 2007

Entry #1

The book defines needs assessment as the systematic process of determining goals, identifying discrepancies between actual and desired conditions, and establishing priorities for action. The book list a number of data-collection techniques.

Which technique do you like most? the least?

The data-collection technique I like the most is e-mail. I like the e-mail approach because you will be able to reach a large number of people and expect a nice return. People check their e-mail multiple times a day. Conducting an e-mail survey is an easy and inexpensive way to gather information.

The data-collection technique I am least in favor of is the phone interview. Phone interviews seem to happen at the wrong moments (i.e. phone call at dinner time). Most of the time you end up hanging up on the interviewer because the interview takes too long. Phone interviews take time to conduct and can be difficult to get the right number of responses to make a good enough conclusion.

Entry #2

Question: Why is the most common delivery system still the physical classroom?

The physical classroom is the most common delivery system for many reasons which include:

- cost effective because technology can be expensive and there could be a lack of funding

- resistance to change because some people have a fear of technology

- face-to-face communication because people enjoy the community aspect of getting to "know" everyone

Overall the classroom delivery system is more common because you can pull in the best aspects of different teaching styles i.e face-to-face, web, etc.

Finish that thought... about software

1. The first productivity software program I ever used was Microsoft Office. I cannot remember the first time I used the software, but I do remember that when I first used any productivity software it was Microsoft Office. Microsoft Office has helped me complete a number of papers and projects throughout my years in school.

2. The software program I use and know the best is Microsoft Word. I also know how to use a number of other Microsoft programs, but I use Microsoft Word the most because I am usually assigned to write papers rather than create powerpoint presentations, etc.

3. One software program I would like to learn more about is Adobe Elements. It is a graphical software package and I have not had an opportunity to work with this type of software. This is used often in business to create brochures, pamphlets, and websites. 

Welcome...

Welcome to my TSTM 544: Training Systems blog for the Fall 2007 semester.