Section 3: Evaluating, Implementing, and Managing Instructional Programs and Projects 

Models of Evaluation
One of the first evaluation models I came across was the Goals-Free Evaluation and I thought that it was not worth reading about.  On second thought, I read a little more about it and decided that even though it is not designed to evaluate a certain set of objectives, this model might provide very interesting and useful data.  A Goals-Free Evaluation is exactly what it sounds like; "goal-free evaluation measures the effectiveness of a given product exclusively in terms of its actual effects--the goals and motivations of the producer are ignored" (http://frank.mtsu.edu/~rbombard/RB/Wips/anti.html).  I would use this type of evaluation to see what undesirable or unintentional effects certain methods of instruction have on students within my classroom.

Another evaluation method that I find interesting is the Judicial/Adversary Method.  This method is "where planned opposition in points of view of different evaluators (pro and con) is the central focus of the evaluation"(http://hostedweb.cfaes.ohiostate.edu/brick/
evalexpl.htm). I would use this type of evaluation method to determine not only the positive effects of objective oriented instruction, but also the negative and possibly unintentional effects of this type of instruction.  The Judicial/Adversary Method of evaluation, if used to evaluate a pilot program, would be very useful in determining whether to implement this new program school wide or not. 

Technological Innovation and Perceived Attributes

Microsoft.com

Last summer I decided to go back to school and complete all of my courses online.  We run a little behind the times at my house so, at the time, we had only one desktop directly connected to the internet and it was located in my husband’s office.  Rather than fight my husband and my kids for computer time, I decided to go wireless and get a laptop for me for my online graduate classes and one for the kids to do their homework and play educational games. 

To me, the relative advantage of having a wireless home network was obvious.  We could run more devices from different places in the house (of course,   I had my bed or sofa in mind) and from other locations that have public wireless connections like a library or even McDonalds.  If the kids (ages 10, 8, and 5) were to have their own computer, I wanted it kept somewhere in our house where I could see what they were doing on it.  Going wireless allowed me to put their laptop on a small desk right by the kitchen/dining area where I could monitor their online activities while making snacks or dinner.  It also allows me to work on my computer in different places.  I frequently take my laptop to the library at the high school where I work on my graduate studies with the librarian there.

In terms of compatibility, I think the wireless allowed me to hold to my beliefs that young children should not be left unattended when they are online.  No matter how many parental controls an adult puts on a computer, it seems as if something detrimental will always get through.  I can also control how long and what types of activities are being used.

I am the first to admit that I am not technologically savvy.  So when I say that using the wireless network is easy, then that means just about anybody could do it.  It was somewhat more difficult to set up, but a technician from ATT had to work on the internet line anyway and I let him set the wireless network up for my house.  So it was not complex for me to operate once he gave a few instructions.  Adding devices to the network is not complicated at all because more have an install wizard that guides the user through the entire process.

We did not have a trial period for going wireless because I was already familiar with the idea and use of this ‘innovation’.  The new high school at my husband’s school district has wireless access and I have used hotspots before.  We did try different locations to find the best place to keep the kids’ computer.  It had to be accessible enough for me to help with homework, keep an eye on them when online, and not be in the way of our daily routines.  The dining table didn’t work so well because food, drinks, and computer don’t work so well together.

I observe the benefits of having a wireless home network almost daily.  My children cannot go online to play games before they are done with homework.  When they were using the desktop computer in my husband’s office (at home), they could get off task easily and spend hours playing online games when I thought they were diligently working on homework.  Before we went wireless and got the kids their own computer, the older boys tended to ‘take over’ the desktop computer and not let my youngest use it.  Now, with the laptop in sight, I am able to see that everyone gets a fair amount of time both doing work and playing games.

Situational Leadership



Dreamstime.com

As a mom of three children who have completely different personalities, I am feel I am well versed in Situational Leadership.  What works with one may not and usually does work with another. 

To begin a project I feel it is necessary to explicitly spell out exactly what the objective is, what is needed, when it is needs to be completely, and the quality of work I expect.  I think that no matter who is on the project team and what level their experience is, precise instruction and clearly defined goals are essential.  I would define what each team individual member is responsible for (one professional development session per team member), what the team as a whole is responsible for (the entire professional development series as a whole), and how each and all will be held accountable (outlining developmental meeting dates and completion dates).

As the project moves forward and keeping objectives, goals, and deadlines in view, I would allow a more creative atmosphere for individuals to use their talents and knowledge to design quality material.  This is a good time to keep an open mind and discuss often what is ‘working’ in the design of the professional development sessions and what is not going as planned.   Good communication and clarification are key elements to ensure that each member’s interpretation and initial work is uniform or on the same page as the team’s. 

At this point in the product design, it is also important to acknowledge those who are doing a good job creating the session they are responsible for and to redirect and encourage those that may have gone somewhat astray.  Sufficient progress should be made on developing the professional development sessions and those who have worked hard and kept 'on track' should be recognized.

As the project comes to a close, I would need to be in contact with individual members ensuring that substantial progress is being made.  Are the individual professional development sessions coming together, how will they flow once all are put in a sequence, and are they all high quality?  These are questions that I must be able to answer before the final product is considered complete.