Category

Data Source

Characteristic

Implication(s)

Learners

Entry Behaviors

1)Interview target audience (teachers)
2)Interview with technician that has provided  Smart Board training

1)Teachers have had no formal  training on using the Smart Board or Notebook software.
2)Teachers have experience using the computer to access the Internet and to use Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Office, and various other software applications.

1)The teachers have little or no experience using the Smart Board and Notebook software I will design the training to include the basics of operating the board and software.

2)Teachers have experience using a computer and using Microsoft Office and Windows they should have no problem with basic terminology (such as icon, mouse, keyboard).

Prior Knowledge

1)Interview with teachers regarding how or if they have used the Smart Board and Notebook software
2)Observing classroom use of the Smart Board

1)Teachers have spoken with other teachers that have used the Smart Board,  but  they have never actually seen it being used like it was intended to be used.
2)Teachers know how to turn on the projector -- but use the Smart Board as a projection screen.
 

1)Teachers need to see a demonstration of effective uses of a Smart Board for classroom instruction.
2)Teachers are comfortable with the operation of a projector, so they only need training on Smart Board and Notebook operation.

Attitudes

1)Interview with teachers and discussion regarding knowledge of Smart Board
2)Interview with administrators

1)Teachers are frustrated that they have not received any help or training on how to use the Smart Board.
2)Teachers are apprehensive about learning new technology and are not comfortable with new technology..
3)Administrators are asking why the equipment/technology is not being used.

1)Since no training has been provided, there will be many teachers interested in this "free" training.
2)Hands-on training provided by one of their peers, in a familiar environment, should provide for a relaxed learning environment.
 3)Administrators will be supportive and will encourage staff participation in the training.
 

Motivation

1)Interview with teachers
2)Interview with administrators

1)Teachers are excited about the use of the board and how they will be able to incorporate the technology into their lessons.
2)Teachers are looking for ways to make learning more enjoyable and interesting for their students.

1)A demonstration with sample lessons on ways to incorporate the Smart Board will show how to use this technology.
2)Watch a video with a teacher and students using the Smart Board (from Smart Technologies Education Center Web Site)

Education and Ability

1)Interview with teachers

 

1)Teachers have a college degree and have experience using computers, Microsoft Office software and the Internet.
2)Some teachers are more comfortable than others in using technology in the classroom.

1)Training can begin with Smart Board  and Notebook basics--no time will be needed to teach basic computer skills.
2)Hands-on practice will be available for each teacher.

Learning Preferences

1)Interview with teachers

1)Teachers want small-group or one-on-one instruction.
2)Teachers want an opportunity to practice what they learned with some hands-on exercises.
3)Teachers want a reference sheet that they can take back to their classrooms.
 

1)Each training session will be limited to 4 participants.
2)Training will consist of trainer demonstrating the skill or task and then having students try it.
3)An operations reference sheet will be given to teachers to take back to their classrooms.
 

Attitudes toward organization

1)Interview with teachers

1)Teachers feel comfortable working with their colleagues.

1)Teachers feel comfortable working with a peer.  They will be more open and honest in asking questions and participating in the training.

Group characteristics

1)Observation of group

1)Teachers come from a wide variety of disciplines and with varying years of work experience (3-25).
2)Teachers have varying amounts of experience in using Technology in their classrooms.

1)Trainer will  provide several discipline-specific examples on how this technology is used.
2)Two training sessions can be offered -- one for veteran technology users and one for new technology users.
 

Context

Performance

Support

1)Interview with teachers
2)Interview with administrators

1)Teachers want to receive added support in helping them incorporate this technology into their lessons.
2)Administrators encourage team teaching and cross-curriculum planning.

1)Teachers receiving the training will be encouraged to form a support-group to help each other.
2)Administrators will work toward providing funds if additional training if needed.

Physical Aspects

1)Interview with teachers
 

1)Teachers receiving training will have access to a computer, projector, Smart Board and Notebook software in their classroom.

1)In order to use the skills learned in the training session, teachers will need to practice using the Smart Board and Notebook software before they can incorporate it into their lessons.

Social Aspects

1)Interview with teachers
 

1)Teachers want to work with other teachers in their specific disciplines to plan lessons using this technology.

1)Teachers will be asked to create new lessons incorporating this technology and they will be asked to share their new lessons with others.
 

Relevance

1)Interview with teachers
2)Interview with students

1)Teachers want to use what they learned about using the Smart Board and Notebook software to make their instruction more effective and interactive.
2)Students want a different method of instruction besides note-taking and lectures.

1)Using this technology will help teachers build a collection of learning materials that can be constantly updated and written on top of, keeping lessons fresh and interactive.
2)The visual nature of the interactive board is a valuable way to focus students' attention and keep them on task.

Learning

1)Interview with teachers

1)Teachers recognize that traditional classroom tools such as the chalkboard and overhead projector are being replaced by new technology.

1)New schools being built today, or old schools being renovated, will include new technology such as interactive white boards and teachers must be ready to use these new tools.

1)Interview with teachers

1)Many schools have purchased or received grants to acquire interactive white boards and they are being used in classrooms across the world.

1)As the interactive white board becomes common place in the classroom, teachers will receive education and training on how to use them effectively to deliver a better lesson.

Adapt to Delivery Approaches?

1)Read educational research studies

1)A relatively new and emerging  technology (early 1990's), interactive smart boards will change  how teachers deliver their classroom instruction.

1)Digital media and the use of multimedia presentations are becoming common place in corporate board rooms and in school classrooms.

1)Interview with teachers
2)Interview with administrators

1) A classroom will be reserved and the equipment (Smart Board, Projector, Computer) needed to provide the instruction will be available for the training session.
2)Training will take place after-work hours and is on a voluntary basis.

1)Because all the resources needed (equipment, room, training materials, students) to conduct the training are available the training session should be successful.
2)Because training is taking place after-work hours--the number of teachers participating will be fewer, which means a small-group size (2-3).