Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Project Intent Statement

Background
Who
This project is intended for teachers at the elementary(primary) school level.The project is to instruct teachers in the basic computer(technology) skills necessary for them to integrate computer(technology) in the teaching and learning process.

What
The long vacation programme offers a six(6) week intensive training on the integration of technology into the teaching and learning process. Integrating technology into the classroom is mandatory for all teachers as part of the introduction of the new educational reform in Ghana which was launched September 2007.

Why
The introduction of the new educational reforms requires teachers to have basic computer skills in order to integrate technology in their work. Many teachers especially those who are more experienced are worried because they think training to acquire such skills will need a lot of time.These teachers therefore need an intensive instruction on the acquisition of basic computer skills.

Problem Statement
During the long vacation of Schools,teachers will be instructed on the basic computer skills to enable them integrate technology into the teaching and learning process.

Problem
Teachers are required to integrate computer into the classroom as part of the new educational reforms.Most teachers are conservative or unwilling to follow this directive by embracing a more widely accepted standard(computer or technology integration in the classroom).

Target Audience
Teachers at Mt. Zion Elementary will be the target audience.

Identified Need/Benefit
Teachers in Mt. Zion Elementary School have little or no computer skills.Providing instruction will enable teachers to become more interested, effective and efficient in the integration of computer(technology) in the teaching and learning process.

Buy-In
This instruction will be extended to other teachers in the other schools in the area and possible student teachers at the University of education,Winneba,Kumasi campus


Project phase 2
Needs Assessment

Ideally…
The Ghana Education Service would like to integrate technology into the classroom teaching and learning to make room for effective, efficient and less difficult instructional delivery. This therefore calls for the services of experts in the use of technology in instruction. Meaning Technology Instructors would be employed. Also, the School (Mt. Zion Elementary) would need a computer clerk who has the experience in helping with the technical problems that the computers may develop.

Furthermore, the Ghana education Service would employ a ‘Network Administrator’to work on the networking of the computers in the school and also install current software and programmes prescribed by the Ghana Education Service which would be compatible with the operating system of computers in the school.


The Performance Problem…
At Mt. Zion Elementary School, there are computers at the computer laboratory. The computers are not networked by a server. The teachers in the school are unable to use the computers to facilitate their teaching in the classroom. This is because the teachers do not have the needed skills and knowledge to operate the computers. That is to say, teachers are handicapped in the integration of technology into their lessons because they lack basic computer skills.

Resources Constraints
The computer laboratory is too small to contain all the
Computer laboratory teachers during the instruction.


Computer There are few computers in the computer laboratory
which means only five teachers will have access to
the computers during the intended instruction.

Technology Instructors They will come from a University which is about
forty-five (45) minutes drive from the school.
They would also work on part time since they are
fully working at the University.

Teachers Teachers would have to cope with completing their
term's work while being instructed.


Project Goals…

Teachers at Mt Zion Elementary School will be able to integrate technology (computers) in their classroom lessons. They would gain experience in basic computer skills needed to integrate technology into the classroom. Typing will be taught to help with word processing skills.
The long term goals would be to extend the computer learning skills to other teachers under the Ghana Education Service in the Kumasi sub-metro.
Project Phase 3
Project Phase ≠ 1
Topic:
My instructional design topic will still be teaching teachers basic computer skills to help them integrate computer into the teaching and learning process. Generally, teachers will learn how to use Microsoft word, excel and Powerpoint presentation to facilitate their teaching in the classroom.
Target Audience
My target audience will be teachers at Mt Zion Elementary School. These are teachers who have completed teacher training college and have taught for some time now. This course is designed to enhance teacher’s basic computer skills. The teachers have much experience in the traditional classroom teaching process. All the teachers are interested and willing to be part of the project since it is mandatory for all teachers to at least have basic computer according to the new educational reforms.
Some teachers have purchased personal computers at their homes. The computers are however not connected to the internet.
Currently, I am using Bit Spirit (downloading software) on the internet to download Mavis Beacon for typing during the lesson.
Time Frame
The time frame for this unit of instruction is during the long vacation, specifically two weeks after vacation and two weeks before re-open. Thus, approximately six weeks intensive training.
Rational
I am gradually trying to whip the interest of teachers away from the traditional way of instruction to cope with the digital era in the integration of computers into the classroom. Moreover, I am searching for new strategies for gaining and sustaining teacher’s interest during the course so as to help maintain their enthusiasm. The introduction of the new educational reforms is the most important reason for teaching this material. I have laid hands on the syllabus on ICT which was introduced in September 2007.Teachers are not only to learn the basic computer skills but are required to retain these skills since an inspectorate team from the Ghana Education Service will be assessing exhibition of such skills as part of their work.
Project phase≠ 2
Needs Assessment

Ideally…
The Ghana Education Service would like to integrate technology into the classroom teaching and learning to make room for effective, efficient and less difficult instructional delivery. This therefore calls for the services of experts in the use of technology in instruction. Meaning Technology Instructors would be employed. Also, the School (Mt. Zion Elementary) would need a computer clerk who has the experience in helping with the technical problems that the computers may develop.
Furthermore, the Ghana education Service would employ a ‘Network Administrator’to work on the networking of the computers in the school and also install current software and programmes prescribed by the Ghana Education Service which would be compatible with the operating system of computers in the school.
The Performance Problem…
At Mt. Zion Elementary School, there are computers at the computer laboratory. The computers are not networked by a server. The teachers in the school are unable to use the computers to facilitate their teaching in the classroom. This is because the teachers do not have the needed skills and knowledge to operate the computers. That is to say, teachers are handicapped in the integration of technology into their lessons because they lack basic computer skills.
Resources Constraints
Computer laboratory The computer laboratory is too small to contain all the
teachers during the instruction.
Computer There are few computers in the computer laboratory
which means only five teachers will have access to
the computers during the intended instruction.
Technology Instructors They will come from a University which is about
forty-five (45) minutes drive from the school.
They would also work on part time since they are
fully working at the University which is about
forty-five (45) minutes drive from the school.
Teachers They would also work on part time since they are
fully working at the University.
Teachers would have to cope with completing their
terms work while being instructed.


Project Goals…

Teachers at Mt Zion Elementary School will be able to integrate technology (computers) in their classroom lessons. They would gain experience in basic computer skills needed to integrate technology into the classroom. Typing will be taught to help with word processing skills.The long term goals would be to extend the computer learning skills to other teachers under the Ghana Education Service in the Kumasi sub-metro.
The following specific goals will be expected from the teachers after the course.
a. Teachers will be able to explain the basic concepts relating to introduction to computers. (Comprehension)
b. Demonstrate ability in creating, editing, formatting and saving a word document. (Application)
c. To use word processing software to create documents such as letters, memos, reports, fax cover sheets, mailing labels and news letters. (Application)
d. Use Microsoft excel in organizing numeric data in the classroom. That is to prepare continuous assessment and students’ classroom final grade. (Application)
e. Acquire the basic skills to create and organize presentations by developing presentation outlines and selecting various slide layouts. (Synthesis)
f. Organize information on the presentation slides for lessons, periodic reports, meeting and workshops. (Synthesis)
Project Phase ≠3 Lesson Sequence
The instruction shall be face to face in the school’s computer laboratory. The instruction period shall run for approximately six (6) weeks, with different objectives being taught each week. The first week shall be used on Microsoft word, the second for excel spreadsheet and the third and forth for PowerPoint presentation. The last two weeks will be for teachers to cooperate and work on their final projects. Cooperation among the teachers will be highly encouraged since they are adult learners.
Learner Analysis
In the beginning of the course, learners will not necessarily need previous Microsoft word, excel spreadsheet and PowerPoint experience since the course is designed as an introductory course. Teachers who will still be uncertain as to how to complete certain tasks will have the chance to make use of peer tutoring and also a podcast (video), which was made using camStudio during a multimedia course, providing instruction on Microsoft word, excel spreadsheet and PowerPoint will be made available.
Task & Instructional Analysis
A. Open word document (create, edit, format) and save on flash drive
Goal: teachers will demonstrate ability in opening a word document, create, edit, format and save mailing letter (hard-copy provided) on a flash drive.
Tasks:
Click on start button on the taskbar
Point to All Programs on the start menu
Scroll up to Microsoft office
Click on Microsoft word. A blank document appears.
Create, edit and format document (hard-copy) provided.
Click on file on the toolbar.
Scroll down to ‘Save As’. A dialog box appears. Locate your flash drive in ‘Save
in’.
Rename document: SurnameA1 example SekyereA1
Click on save.


B. Open excel spreadsheet to calculate students final grade
Goal: Teachers will use Microsoft excel in organizing numeric data in the classroom and prepare student’s final grade.
Tasks:
Start → Programs →Microsoft office→ Microsoft excel
In row 1 enter the headings as shown on the hard copy provided.
In rows 2-6 enter data for five students. Use any names you may wish.
To calculate the average of the three quizzes:
Move to cell F2. From the insert menu, choose Function. Choose Average. Click OK
Verify that the range of cells to be averaged is correct (C2:E2) and click OK.
To replicate the Average function for the other students:
Drag to highlight cells F2 through F6 and choose Edit → Fill →Down.
Now enter a formula for the final grade, which is weighted 60% quizzes and 40%
exam.
Move to cell H2 and click in the formula bar. Type: =0.6*F2+0.4*G2 and Enter.
Drag to highlight cells H2 through H6 and choose Edit→ Fill→ Down.
Format the cells one decimal place (Format → Cells→ Number→ Number)
Look at the resulting grades to verify that they make sense. If not, you probably did
something wrong.
Save what you have done. (File → Save As)
Phase IV
Testing procedure and Rationale



Project Phase ≠ 1
Topic:
My instructional design topic will still be teaching teachers basic computer skills to help them integrate computer into the teaching and learning process. Generally, teachers will learn how to use Microsoft word, excel and PowerPoint presentation to facilitate their teaching in the classroom.
Target Audience
My target audience will be teachers at Mt Zion Elementary School. These are teachers who have completed teacher training college and have taught for some time now. This course is designed to enhance teacher’s basic computer skills. The teachers have much experience in the traditional classroom teaching process. All the teachers are interested and willing to be part of the project since it is mandatory for all teachers to at least have basic computer according to the new educational reforms.
Some teachers have purchased personal computers at their homes. The computers are however not connected to the internet.
Currently, I am using Bit Spirit (downloading software) on the internet to download Mavis Beacon for typing during the lesson.
Time Frame
The time frame for this unit of instruction is during the long vacation, specifically two weeks after vacation and two weeks before re-open. Thus, approximately six weeks intensive training.
Rational
I am gradually trying to whip the interest of teachers away from the traditional way of instruction to cope with the digital era in the integration of computers into the classroom. Moreover, I am searching for new strategies for gaining and sustaining teacher’s interest during the course so as to help maintain their enthusiasm. The introduction of the new educational reforms is the most important reason for teaching this material. I have laid hands on the syllabus on ICT which was introduced in September 2007.Teachers are not only to learn the basic computer skills but are required to retain these skills since an inspectorate team from the Ghana Education Service will be assessing exhibition of such skills as part of their work.
Project phase≠ 2
Needs Assessment

Ideally…
The Ghana Education Service would like to integrate technology into the classroom teaching and learning to make room for effective, efficient and less difficult instructional delivery. This therefore calls for the services of experts in the use of technology in instruction. Meaning Technology Instructors would be employed. Also, the School (Mt. Zion Elementary) would need a computer clerk who has the experience in helping with the technical problems that the computers may develop.
Furthermore, the Ghana education Service would employ a ‘Network Administrator’ to work on the networking of the computers in the school and also install current software and programmes prescribed by the Ghana Education Service which would be compatible with the operating system of computers in the school.
The Performance Problem…
At Mt. Zion Elementary School, there are computers at the computer laboratory. The computers are not networked by a server. The teachers in the school are unable to use the computers to facilitate their teaching in the classroom. This is because the teachers do not have the needed skills and knowledge to operate the computers. That is to say, teachers are handicapped in the integration of technology into their lessons because they lack basic computer skills.
Resources Constraints
Computer laboratory The computer laboratory is too small to contain all the
teachers during the instructional session.
Computer There are few computers in the computer laboratory
which means only five teachers will have access to
the computers during the intended instruction.
Technology Instructors They will come from a University which is about
forty-five (45) minutes drive from the school.
They would also work on part time since they are
fully working at the University which is about
forty-five (45) minutes drive from the school.
Teachers They would also work on part time since they are
fully working at the University.
Teachers would have to cope with completing their
terms work while being instructed.
Project Goals…

Teachers at Mt Zion Elementary School will be able to integrate technology (computers) in their classroom lessons. They would gain experience in basic computer skills needed to integrate technology into the classroom. Typing will be taught to help with word processing skills. The long term goals would be to extend the computer learning skills to other teachers under the Ghana Education Service in the Kumasi sub-metro.
The following specific goals will be expected from the teachers after the course.
a. Teachers will be able to explain the basic concepts relating to introduction to computers. (Comprehension)
b. Demonstrate ability in creating, editing, formatting and saving a word document. (Application)
c. To use word processing software to create documents such as letters, memos, reports, fax cover sheets, mailing labels and news letters. (Application)
d. Use Microsoft excel in organizing numeric data in the classroom. That is to prepare continuous assessment and students’ classroom final grade. (Application)
e. Acquire the basic skills to create and organize presentations by developing presentation outlines and selecting various slide layouts. (Synthesis)
f. Organize information on the presentation slides for lessons, periodic reports, meeting and workshops. (Synthesis)
Project Phase ≠3 Lesson Sequence
The instruction shall be face to face in the school’s computer laboratory. The instruction period shall run for approximately six (6) weeks, with different objectives being taught each week. The first week shall be used on Microsoft word, the second for excel spreadsheet and the third and forth for PowerPoint presentation. The last two weeks will be for teachers to cooperate and work on their final projects. Cooperation among the teachers will be highly encouraged since they are adult learners.
Learner Analysis
In the beginning of the course, learners will not necessarily need previous Microsoft word, excel spreadsheet and PowerPoint experience since the course is designed as an introductory course. Teachers who will still be uncertain as to how to complete certain tasks will have the chance to make use of peer tutoring and also a podcast (video), which was made using camStudio during a multimedia course, providing instruction on Microsoft word, excel spreadsheet and PowerPoint will be made available.
Task & Instructional Analysis
A. Open word document (create, edit, format) and save on flash drive
Goal: teachers will demonstrate ability in opening a word document, create, edit, format and save mailing letter (hard-copy provided).
Tasks:
Click on start button on the taskbar
Point to All Programs on the start menu
Scroll up to Microsoft office
Click on Microsoft word. A blank document appears.
Create, edit and format document (hard-copy) provided.
Click on file on the toolbar.
Scroll down to ‘Save As’. A dialog box appears. Locate your flash drive in ‘Save
in’.
Rename document: SurnameA1 example SekyereA1
Click on save.


B. Open excel spreadsheet to calculate students final grade
Goal: Teachers will use Microsoft excel in organizing numeric data in the classroom and prepare student’s final grade.
Tasks:
Start → Programs →Microsoft office→ Microsoft excel
In row 1 enter the headings as shown on the hard copy provided.
In rows 2-6 enter data for five students. Use any names you may wish.
To calculate the average of the three quizzes:
Move to cell F2. From the insert menu, choose Function. Choose Average. Click OK
Verify that the range of cells to be averaged is correct (C2:E2) and click OK.
To replicate the Average function for the other students:
Drag to highlight cells F2 through F6 and choose Edit → Fill →Down.
Now enter a formula for the final grade, which is weighted 60% quizzes and 40%
exam.
Move to cell H2 and click in the formula bar. Type: =0.6*F2+0.4*G2 and Enter.
Drag to highlight cells H2 through H6 and choose Edit→ Fill→ Down.
Format the cells one decimal place (Format → Cells→ Number→ Number)
Look at the resulting grades to verify that they make sense. If not, you probably did
something wrong.
Save what you have done. (File → Save As)



Intergration of ICT into classroom

Computer technologies play an essential role in how individuals work ,live and learn.Organisations of all sizes-even the smallest schools and businesses- rely on computers to help them operate more effectively and efficiently. At home, work and school computers help people to work faster, more accurately and in some cases in ways that previously were not possible.People use computers at home for education, entertainment,information management and business purposes.They also use computers as tools to access information and communicate with others around the world.In the classroom, computers and computer related technologies are having a profound influence on the way teachers instruct and students learn. Even the activities that are part of our daily routine-typing a report,driving a car,paying for goods and services with a credit card or using an ATM-all involve the use of computer technology.
To help schools better educate students,various governments are spearheading massive funding efforts to equip classrooms with computers,with connectivity to networks and with access to the Internet and WORLD WIDE WEB.Today teachers are educating students who will spend all their adult lives in a technology-rich-society. The challenge is the way forward in preparing teachers to meet the current situation-instructing students to cope squarely with the technology-rich-society.