Data director
Rationale
DataDirector is a new program to the 600 teachers in the district. All teachers have a computer in their classroom (or access to a computer in their office) because each teacher is required to take attendance using the online AERIES Student Information System. There are many similarities between the AERIES system and DataDirector. The similarities are:
- Contain student information
- Run on any computer with Internet access and Web Software (Internet Explorer, Mozilla, etc.)
- Tabbed browsing with submenu features
These similarities will allow for the instructor to use analogies to existing software (AERIES) and the new software (DataDirector).
It is often difficult to teach a new program interface without showing the audience what it can do and how to navigate through the material. The program is separated into three different modules:
- Introduction to DataDirector and Navigation
- How to Create Exams from Test Bank Items
- Recording Data into DataDirector from Created Exams
The instruction will be led by the instructor because it will decrease the anxiety to the learner and increase the opportunity for individuals to ask questions about the material presented. To convey the information with the least amount of cognitive load a few different types of media will be used to present information to the learners. The media items used are:
Computer Lab
The process of performing the task is the most important for the learner. If they simply watch the activity being performed in front of them it will not be committed to memory as easily as if they were to perform the activity in full.
LCD Projector with Interactive Whiteboard
Since the learners will be in a computer lab it would be best not to use just auditory information but visual information. Using the Interactive Whiteboard keeps the focus of the learners on the instructor and keeps the instructor in front of the audience and not focusing on a monitor. The instructor can highlight areas of the DataDirector interphase to direct the attention of the learners to specific tasks to be performed.
Job-Aids
Two job-aids will be used to allow learners to use after instruction has been completed.
PowerPoint
A PowerPoint is used for Module 1 to convey knowledge level information to the learners. This PowerPoint can then be posted on-line to give the learner an opportunity to refresh their memory later.
Module 1: Introduction and Navigation of DataDirector
- Because this is an introduction to the DataDirector program such as logging in and navigating, a PowerPoint presentation will be the main form of instruction. The students will login to the DataDirector program and navigate as the instructor explains the different features of DataDirector. Prior knowledge will be tapped by having the learners think back to the use of AERIES. This part of the module is focused on basic knowledge level information.
Module 2: Creating Exams in DataDirector from Test Bank
- The instructor will use an Interactive Whiteboard to assist the learners in creating an exam using DataDirector. The use of the Interactive Whiteboard will allow the instructor to show the use of the DataDirector program and point out navigation and selections needed to create the exam. Along with the instructor showing the process, the learners will be logged into DataDirector and perform the same tasks as the instructor on the Interactive Whiteboard. This is focusing on procedural items and will be supplemented with a job-aid for the learner.
Module 3: Uploading Data from Exam to DataDirector
- In module 3 the instructor will demonstrate, using the Interactive Whiteboard and other peripheral items, and show the how to perform the task of uploading data from an exam to DataDirector. As the instructor is going through the process, the students are performing the same task. They will then perform the task on their own with the use of a job-aid.
In conclusion, the idea of the instruction is to:
- Build the knowledge level information (Module 1)
- Show how to perform the desired tasks using an Interactive Whiteboard (Module 2 and 3)
- Learners follow the tasks (procedure) being performed by the instructor (Module 2 and 3)
- Learners perform the task on their own with the use of a job-aid