Questions From Stewart Washington (To reflect a likely response from Stewart to this team's proposed case design, the following questions were adapted from the comments provided by Steve Ehrmann)
Dear Julie,
I'm on the run so this note might seem brusque. Let me begin with a
compliment; your proposal was quite well written, a clear description of what
I have to admit seemed a rather fuzzy idea.
I'm glad to see that you are focusing on having the students learn a new technology.
However, I thought you understood that a CD-ROM represented a great chance for our
office to make a splash and gather funds. Your proposal doesn't represent the
kind of cutting edge work I know you are capable of; instead it focuses too much on the management skills that would develop just as easily, if not better, using a multi-media interactive CD-ROM. I'm not really sure what you have proposed can pull in the funds we need
without promoting our use of cutting edge technology.
Please reconsider your plan and let me know how you might revise and incorporate the essential elements to meet our major objectives. Keep the vision squarely before you! (And don't forget Java! I bet you can use the Web code to make the CD-ROM, and then make the CD-ROM so that users can get additional materials from the Web.
Insanely great!)
Stewart
Response to Stewart from UVa Alternate Team 3
Stewart,
Thanks for your kind words about my progress so far. I understand you're in a hurry so I'll be brief.
Your idea for a CD-ROM product is a good one. First, we have to evaluate the environment in which instruction will occur before we burn a CD-ROM; we don't want to have to go back and make changes. My proposal and yours don't have to be at cross purposes. The CD-ROM is simply a more permanent medium than WWW pages. How about this: we do the web pages with this group, evaluate the instruction and make revisions, and get it to where we want it . Then we can make it replicable with a CD-ROM. It's a good medium in that it's portable, fast and doesn't necessarily need a network connection. We can use available technology to "whack" the web pages into files, put them on a CD-ROM and make an interactive learning environment. Do you think this would be a fundable plan?
If the instructional content would be enhanced by Java code and it's appropriate, then I'm all for it, but I'll need technical assistance from TRLC to accomplish this. Another thing to consider with Java code is that it is platform- and browser-specific. We want to be sure that we are not limiting our potential audience.
Let me know what you think about these ideas.
Julie
Questions From Billie Redmond (To reflect a likely response from Billie to this team's proposed case design, the following questions were adapted from the comments provided by Michael Lachance)
Why haven't the producers been included in the program design process?
Since this is going to increase the workload of the students, what might be done
to motivate them to participate in this program?
I believe it necessary to have the students be able to test their knowledge at intervals. How can you make this happen?
Response to Stewart from UVa Alternate Team 3
Dear Billie,
I appreciated receiving your feedback on the submitted project design for the FAYAP.
I apologize for running out of time at the last meeting and not being able to include a description of the stakeholders responsibilities. I assume that is what you meant when you asked about the producers inclusion in the program design process. Below I have listed each stakeholders expected responsibilities pertaining to the instructional design.
- Julie Tatano will create instructional design and coordinate activities of participants and leaders.
- TRLC will create web-based instruction.
- Jorge Recinos will provide face-to-face instruction, act as a contact person for learners, and be a facilitator for all group sessions.
- You are expect to review web-based responses.
- Joe Dagsworthy will be available as a speech coach.
- Stewart Washington will write a grant to be submitted to the University's Provost Office for honorariums for professionals and equipment.
Your concerns about motivating the student participants are well-taken. We believe these students are already fairly motivated to develop the skills in web-based technology, scientific terms, and presentation skills that are provided in our instructional plan. We also think they understand the importance of the contacts they will make by participating in this project.
Some of these motivators will be:
- Meet with IPM specialist at the School of Agriculture
- Learn how to speak clearly in technical terms about farm related issues
- Become oriented to the web and the computer
- Develop group interaction skills
- Gain use of the Technology Center Computer Labs
- Improve their writing skills
- Improve speaking skills
- Get to meet and interview radio personality Mr. Dagsworth
- Get to make a presentation to peers and invited leaders of the agricultural community
- Get to see project showcased on a web page and KFSB-TV on the radio show.
- Have a chance to have their presentation field tested through Franklin State U and highlighted on Dagworthy's radio show.
As far as testing goes, the learners will already be filling out form-based questions on various topics during the project which will test their progress in web skills. They will also give two presentations, the first of which will be followed by feedback and coaching if necessary. That is the point where their content expertise will be addressed as well.
