ED 791BC: Evaluation Practicum

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Weekly Schedule (Outline Mode)

Phase 1

Week	Topics/Agenda
Phase 1: Frameworks and approaches (that guide evaluation) Week 1: Mon, Aug 28 (5:15 pm)	Log into Blackboard--and then our course site. Choose Communication and then Live Classrooms from the navigation bar. You'll see our session listed. Introductions How the 791 sequence connects to the rest of the EDTEC program Website and Bb review; HorizonWimba vs. Breeze Evaluation fundamentals--and how evaluation helps organization meet business needs Thinking like an investigator Evaluator "conduct"; characteristics of the "successful' evaluator
Week 2: Mon, Sept 4 (5:15 pm)	RealWorld evaluation and the contexts it addresses The seven steps of the RealWorld approach
Week 3: Mon, Sept 11	Determining the "right" time for evaluation; engaging stakeholders in the process Evaluation approaches---and the "how" that drives decisions about underlying theories, methods, and strategies Familiarizing yourself with the evaluation literature; a first look at writing an evaluation plan Servng on an Expert Panel: the task, the logistics NOTE: Sept 18 is the LAST day to drop or add classes/no exceptions! Back to Top
Phase 2: The evaluator's toolkit (preparing for data gathering) Week 4: Mon, Sept 18	Strategy 1: review of existing materials (extant data) Conducting a content analysis Using rubrics and checklists Applying principles of sampling to content analysis Aligning content analysis with RealWorld evaluation and other frameworks NOTE: Sept 18 is the LAST day to drop or add classes/no exceptions!
Week 5: Mon, Sept 25	Strategy 2: surveys (online, print-based) Examples to browse Practice with item writing Applying principles of sampling to survey research Aligning surveys with RealWorld evaluation and other frameworks Overview of the class project
Week 6: Mon, Oct 2	Strategy 2 (cont'd): surveys (online, print-based) Survey administration--does the medium matter? Survey data: analysis, interpretation, reporting Data triangulation The article critique (template to use; ECR readings from which to choose)
Week 7: Mon, Oct 9	Strategy 3: tests Searching for tests online; orientation to the Buros website and Buros print resources Tests: types and kinds Practice with item writing Issues with validity and reliability; analysis challenges Applying principles of sampling to tests Aligning tests with RealWorld evaluation and other frameworks Download a copy of the client letter for Spring 2007
Week 8: Mon, Oct 16	Strategy 4: interviews and focus groups Practice with protocol development Software solutions Applying principles of sampling to qualitative data gathering Aligning interviews/focus groups with RealWorld evaluation and other frameworks Analysis challenges A first look at the qualitative/quantitative "debate" ... and triangulation Expert Panel 1 presents this week; download their slides and activity! DUE: Literature review (class project); download the criteria for scoring your papers Discuss parameters of data gathering for the class project (tools, logistics, analysis techniques, etc.)
Week 9: Mon, Oct 23	Strategy 5: observations Practice with protocol development Automatiing data collection with PDAs and other handhelds Applying principles of sampling to observations Aligning observations with RealWorld evaluation and other frameworks Challenges of data analysis Expert Panel 2 presents this week; download their slides and activity! Quiz preparation Back to Top
Phase 3: Evaluation objects (moving from theory to practice) Week 10: Mon, Nov 6	Some thoughts about action planning (Strategy 6?) Quiz available online from Thurs, Nov 9 (6 a.m.) to Sun, Nov 12 (6 pm) Preparation for client presentations (see the selection form we'll be using) Expert Panel 3 presents this week; download their slides and activity!
Week 11: Mon, Nov 13	Usability (settings and contexts) academia (online courses -- or entire programs of stud)y webisites generally (recognizing that fall into genre or types) instructional programs or other "training" (including products that "stand alone" usability centers branding Writing an evaluation plan -- exploring the matrices DUE: Data analysis Back to Top
Phase 4: Data analysis and interpretation -- review of the basics Week 12: Mon, Nov 27 Week 13: Mon, Dec 4	Data analysis -- taking the plunge Quantitative analyses Statistical terminololgy (the basics; the essentials) Distinguishing between descriptive and inferential statistics Parametric v. nonparametric measures DUE: Article critique due
Week 14: Mon, Dec 11	More on data analysis ... techniques specific to qualitative methods Putting an interpretative spin on results/findings; generalizing (myths and realities) Reporting to clients; a final look at the evaluation plan Transitioniing to 791BC Launching your OWN studies -- and "play data" for you to explore during the Winter Break *Due (Dec 14): project report Back to Top

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