As I further consider the kind of learning activity and approach I want to build for my Front of House Coordinator, I have decided to use Bates’ SECTIONS framework to guide me as I refine and reflect on potential choices. 

At this point, I feel that a combination of a screencast of how to work through using Outlook Calendars on a desktop and through the cloud may be advantageous.  I am also considering an activity in which my learner will use a digital tool to keep track of common tasks over a period of time, to gain perspective on time taken for each, as well as how things are prioritized currently.  This may help them to reflect on what can be improved or changed.  I may use this in the protyping phase to further inform the final learning activity I create.

I look into the specifics of the SECTIONS model below as it relates to my approach:

STUDENTS

My learner does have access to the technology (calendar) tool which ECFTA uses, and at present doesn’t feel comfortable working with it.  She may need to learn some troubleshooting methods in order to effectively find her way and modify her calendar.  This would be very advantageous in organizing her work.  She has identified as a visual learner, hence my idea to use a screencast.

EASE OF USE

This program is not overly challenging once you get the hang of it.  I am hopeful that she has some basic understanding, and my work can just expose more functionality, as well as aid in how to sync across devices.   

COSTS

There should not be any cost incurred, as new software isn’t needed here.  I do plan to house my learning materials in Moodle or in a shared place at the organization.  That aspect has not been determined, and I need to think more about what the best choice may be, as well as to learn more about ECFTA’s file storage and what the most cost effective method would be for me to share my learning resource.

TEACHING FUNCTIONS/MEDIA SELECTION

As mentioned above, have a step by step visual screencast on how to work through organizing and using functions in the calendar hopefully will inspire targeted and useful learning.  By using a video screencast, the learner can pause and re-watch as they wish, as well as to return to the video should something not work as planned.  A combination of diagrams and visuals with narration has proven to be an effective combination when considering cognitive load (Bates, 2015).  I also plan to use a friendly voice over, and segment sections with titles so as to not overwhelm the learner with too much content.  I will keep the video to 5-6 minutes. 

The reason I am considering adding an element to this where my learner needs to document the type of tasks they complete and how long they take is so that they can constructively reflect on their own work in order to learn for themselves that they may need to work harder to prioritize.  This student centred approach could potentially also entice them to adjust their own methods and approach to their job.  I feel that this type of learning is better than me creating a learning resource on how to prioritize, as she needs to learn about what works for her, and already has methods she uses when prioritizing.  Even having a infographic with ideas after they self identify as needing to improve may be an option.  I’m not sure at this point.  I need to be mindful of not trying to do too much.

INTERACTION

It may be difficult to have interaction as part of my learning resource, but by consulting with my user throughout the process as well as using my own voice and perhaps videotaping myself, hopefully my learner connects with and engages with the presented material.  I want to encourage reflection throughout, and plan to give my learner repeated opportunities to reflect as she works through the process.  She needs to learn how this is going to work for her, not be dictated to.

ORGANIZATIONAL ISSUES

Having enough time may be an issue, as may finding common availability to get together with my user.  Summer is a tough time to find people and make organizational decisions. 

NETWORKING

I don’t feel this is contextually appropriate given I only have one learner.  I do though want to include her two other colleagues in the process and in any methods that may be incorporated into further training at the organization.

SECURITY AND PRIVACY

Ethics and privacy will always be considered.  As mentioned above, where to house this content has yet to be determined, but as mentioned in my ethics document, the content can be destroyed should that be requested.  It will not be published outside of the ECFTA, and sensitive information will not be shared in any way. 

As I have worked through the thought process of evaluating and brainstorming ideas using the SECTIONS framework, many new ideas as well as an understanding that I need to further focus my approach have been revealed.  I need to not try to do too much, and I want to give my learner adequate opportunity to participate in her own learning and learn through her own reflection.  This will require more planning on my part, as well as adequate time for her to review what she does and how she prioritizes.  I also need to decide on what learning platform I’m going to use, and how this will be stored in the ECFTA’s system afterwards should they want it. 

 

References

Bates, A. W. (2015). Chapter 8. In Teaching in a digital age: Guidelines for designing teaching and learning. Vancouver BC: Tony Bates Associates Ltd.