Development takes time

Last week we discussed the process that Design requires and the multiple factors that play a role in the planning of a course. This is true for all teaching and learning interactions, whether online or offline and should be clear by now to you as facilitators on various levels and MPhil Students.

One of the difficulties that arise when people start working on e-learning or Blended learning programmes, is that the expectation that technology will decrease workload is not met. Initially, it will take as much time to develop an online component for teaching as it would a face-to-face one; if not more! This is not to say it is a completely negative thing to consider. Remember, the more time spent on developing something really well, the less time it will require in future for you to use it effectively. That said, let us continue to explore the ADDIE process through the pseudo-prototype that I am creating for this module.

I have spent a lot of time looking at the various technology options I listed in the Design Phase last week. I had to consider the outcomes of the course, the capabilities of the participants and the functionalities of the sites I thought would be useful. I also had to think very clearly about what I want the participants to do on the site I create and how much of an input would be needed from my side. Is this an e-learning course (fully or mostly online), or is it a blended course which has at least 50% of the interaction online with additional face-to-face interaction? I constantly reminded myself that if I am given a Fridge, I can't expect to bake a cake in it :) i.e. whichever site I use, I need to understand its' functionality or affordance to know that this is the best option for the outcomes that need to be met.
So, by way of reflection, I will share my process to now in an easy to follow list:

1. Identify need and problem that must be addressed through analysis.
2. Document the outcomes, aims, learning theories to support my thinking, research technologies available (cursory).
3. More in-depth research on the technologies that are options for use in the protoype.
4. Decided on Google Sites based on affordances and ability to meet my aims and outcomes (ease-of-use, accessibility, ability to create an overview of the course and upload documents, ability to embed links)
5. Created a Google Site using a template that is available for all users. 
6. Began uploading and designing the site.

As you can see from my process above, the development part of the course is now underway. It is taking time, and this is to be expected. Remember, when you do start developing your protoype, it won't be perfect. It definitely won't be 100% ready for implementation, and it may not even be your final choice. However, this is the point of the ADDIE process, it is recommended as a cyclical process for a reason. 

In submitting your assignment for this module, you will discuss the implementation in theory and also plan on how you will evaluate this innovation. We know you do not have access to your students now as you do in the beginning of the year due to exams and classes ending. What we also know is that this module, and assignment, is a great way for you to have started early on planning for next year. This is but the first round of a cycle and will hopefully go through a pilot implementation phase next year and evaluation before being refined and implemented again. You may even decide that this assignment will now be used as the basis for an innovative research proposal that you could submit at your institution for an educational study next year! Whatever your decision, the time you're spending now on development of the prototype will be a great learning experience for you and hopefully for your students as well.

I look forward to seeing your reflections on the development phase and to sharing my prototype with you next week!