Theories and Factors that Affect Adult Learning
|
Learner Factors
|
Analyzing
the student learners is a means to identify the learner characteristics
that will likely impact the process and outcomes of the learning
experience.
|
Factor
|
Description
|
Positive or Negative
|
Initial ideas for Maximizing positive factors or Minimizing Negative Factors
|
| Age |
25-60 years old |
Negative |
Some
teachers will adapt easily to the new technology while others will have
to dragged kicking and screaming into the 21st century. |
| Teaching Experience |
0-25 years |
Positive |
Teaching experience doesn't matter, since the subject matter is new to everyone. |
| Skill Level |
Beginner to advanced |
Negative |
Teachers that feel comfortable with technology will have an advantage. |
| Sex Distribution |
70 % female
30 % male |
|
N/A |
| Racial, Ethnic Diversity |
95 % Caucasian |
|
N/A |
| Educational Level |
Mostly Bachelor's degrees, some have Masters |
Positive |
Acknowledge the vast amount of knowledge and experience in the room. |
| Disability or Impairment |
Unknown |
Negative |
Keep students actively engaged in the lessons. Give short breaks and possibly provide snacks. |
| Developmentally appropriate |
Yes |
Positive |
Group teachers based on technology skills |
| Prerequisite Knowledge |
None |
Negative |
No prerequisite knowledge is needed. |
| Related Experience |
Some |
Negative |
Teachers who have taken an on line class will have an advantage when we start creating their on line class. |
| Perception of Role as Students |
Interested in professional growth |
Positive |
Show how this will make teaching in a 1-1 environment easier. |
| Motivation for Learning |
High |
Positive |
Highly motivated because of the high expectation bey everyone from the Principals to the community. |
| Attitude Toward Subject |
Very Positive |
Positive |
Make the learning relevant to what they teach. In addition, they will be able to take staff development through on line classes. |
| Expectations of Course |
Learn new ways to integrate technology and have the students effectively use their laptops. |
Positive |
Learn new ways to take classes and to present lessons. |
| Competitiveness |
High |
Positive |
Teachers always want to be the best, they want the best grade but they are willing to help their neighbors. |
| Stage of Integration |
Beginning |
Negative |
Taking and creating on line classes will be a new concept for many teachers and there will be a steep learning curve. |
Environmental Factors
|
Analyzing
the student learners is a means to identify the the issues that will
impact the (a) process of the design and production, (b)
implementation, and (c) outcomes of the learning experience.
|
Factor
|
Description
|
Positive or Negative
|
Initial ideas for Maximizing positive factors or Minimizing Negative Factors
|
Design and Production Factors
|
| Materials required |
Handouts |
Positive |
Teacher centered lesson with students following a step by step process to create a new on line class. |
| Production Equipment Available |
Computers,
Moodle Server
Projector |
Positive |
Use of the Professional Development Lab. |
| Time for Design and Production |
Several Months |
Negative |
Space will have to be created on a server to create a Moodle server.
The Moodle software is new to everyone, trainers may need more time to prepare. |
| Department Technology Requirements |
Computer Lab
Reliable Moodle connection |
Positive |
Availability of both the Professional Development Lab and the Integration Specialist. |
Implementation Factors
|
| Class size |
20-25 |
Positive |
The Professional Development Lab is set up for teaching technology classes to teachers. |
| Class Period Length |
3 hours |
Negative |
For
the class to be used as comp time, it must be 3 hours. Most teachers
are tired and have a difficult time staying focused for 3 hours after
school. |
| Location |
Professional Development Lab |
Positive |
Must schedule time in the lab. |
| Seating Arrangement |
Cannot see all screens |
Negative |
Instructor must move around the room to monitor students' progress and involvement in the lesson. |
| Lighting |
not a factor |
|
|
| Temperature |
not a factor |
|
|
| Noise |
not a factor |
|
|
|
| Equipment |
Need computers and a projector |
Positive |
These are standard in the Lab. |
| Technology Support |
Integration Specialist |
Positive |
Make sure all computers are turned on and can access the Moodle server. |
Outcome Factors
|
| State Requirements |
Meets technology TEKS requirements |
Positive |
Create a list with the technology TEKS. |
| Employer Needs |
Technology integration as determined by district
curriculum committee |
Positive |
Employer
is very motivated for teachers to create and use on line classes since
the public allocated money for the laptop initiative. |
| Co-worker needs |
Support during lesson |
Positive |
Make sure Moodle lesson is well-prepared and organized so we don't waste teachers' time. |
| Student Needs |
Immediate Feedback |
Positive |
Pace lesson to allow plenty of time for breaks. If possible provide some food. |
Content Factors
|
Analyzing
the content is a means to identify in general terms the topics to be
addressed in your course and to analyze these topics in terms of the
perquisite sub-topics, and degree of learning difficulty.
|
Main Topics
|
Sub-Topics (What Is Involved In Learning Each
Main Topic?)
|
Readiness To Learn (Prerequisites Mastered)
|
Degree of Learning Difficulty (Real / Imagined)
|
Possible Instructional Strategies to Reduce or
Manage Learning Difficulty
|
|
Understand what Moodle is.
|
What is Moodle.
How can it be used to improve student learning.
|
Ready to learn the basics. |
Medium
|
Hands on Lesson
Detail Instructions
Peer Tutoring.
|
| Navigate through an on line Moodle class to learn how Moodle works. |
Create an account
Course content
|
Ready to learn but some will have a difficult time keeping up
|
Medium |
Hands on Lesson
Detail Instructions
Peer Tutoring. |
| Create a practice online class using Moodle. |
Creating an online class.
Managing the content of a class.
|
Students will need to understand the basics before they can go on to the creation of a class.
|
High |
Detailed instructions
Integration Specialist as needed |
