| Session Title: Techno-babble: Evaluating Programs That Focus on Participant Use of Unique Technologies |
| Think Tank Session 287 to be held in Room 103 in the Convention Center on Thursday, Nov 6, 10:55 AM to 12:25 PM |
| Sponsored by the Integrating Technology Into Evaluation |
| Chair(s): |
| Emma Norland, e-Norland Group, enorland2@comcast.net |
| Presenter(s): |
| Susan Foutz, Institute for Learning Innovation, foutz@ilinet.org |
| Irene Porro, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, iporro@mit.edu |
| Abstract: As technology-focused programs become more and more common, evaluators are required to investigate the use of the technology and how it relates to the learning outcomes. Participants in this Think Tank will discuss the implications of evaluating a program that focuses intensely on a unique technology. An example from the facilitators' experience evaluating an after-school astronomy program will be discussed and the software in the case, MicroObservatory, will be demonstrated briefly. Participants will be invited to share examples from their practice with the entire group. Small groups will then discuss key questions: How much of an understanding of the technology should evaluators have? How is it possible to separate out learning to use the technology from learning the subject matter? Other questions generated by participants will also be discussed. Each group will share key points from their discussions and, led by the session chair, all participants will identify implications for practice. |