[Homepage] [Introduction] [Evaluation decisions] [Results] [Recommendations] [Limitations]

The results are presented based on the data collected, and are organized into three parts. First part is the conclusions for each evaluation decision. The second part are the general comments. It includes three different categories, and each category table includes both good side and poor side comments. The third part are the things need to be fixed.

[Conclusions] [General comments] [Things to fix]

 

Conclusions for evaluation decisions

  • How should the content of the modules be revised?

    Based on the expert reviews, the content of these modules were correct and up-to-date. The modules include different materials (PPT, case studies, activities) which is also a very good strategy for instructional purposes. Having a variety of materials can help to fulfill the needs of students for different learning styles. The modules were also judged to be good resources for the instructors to use. Most of the teachers especially like the Power Point presentations, because they were well-structured and ready to use in the class.

One suggestion related to the content of PPT is to more closely focus on some specific human development theories. This will make the modules more useful for the teachers. Also, there is a need to provide more details under each bullet points to explain what it means.

Most of the teachers like the case studies, but it will be helpful if there is more supplemental information for the teachers, such as more critical questions. Another participant also mentioned that the case studies work well with undergraduate students, but they might be too easy to graduate students.

Several participants suggested having some short move clips (five minutes) rather than a long video. Someone also suggested using some episodes from the current TV shows, as well as some pictures in the modules. This will make the modules more attractive to the students.

Two things could be added into the modules include issues that relate to"grandparents" and "community practice with aging". These topics could be developed into a new module, or just integrated into the current modules.

 

  • How should instructors be advised to incorporate these online modules into their courses?

Most of the participants thought the modules are (or would be) easy to incorporate into their course, but one participant thought it is difficult because they need to follow some school policies related to the course format.

Most of the participants didn't face any problems in viewing or downloading the materials. However, one participant who was using a Mac, OS10, with Explorer did have trouble viewing some of the pages. Another participant also suggested providing the original PPT file rather than the HTML file.

All participants felt comfortable using these modules in their course, and some of them indicate that they will continue to use them in their course.

 

  • How should the web site that holds these modules be enhanced?

All participants thought the navigation is easy to use. Most of them like the colors and structure. However, one participant mentioned that the web site needs a consistent font/style through out the web site. In addition, several participants asked to have more descriptions about the resource links.

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General comments

Modules Content

Good side
  • All participants who will use or already used these modules think the modules are related to their course.
  • The majority of the participants think these modules are easy to incorporate into their curriculum.
  • All participants feel comfortable using this module in their class.
  • The Power Point slides are good resources and very useful.
  • The module is a great additional resource.
Poor side
  • Need more explanation about resource links.
  • Power Point slides need explanation of the images or elaboration on the bullet points.
  • Case studies need more guides.
  • Need extra information for the instructors.


Instructional Design

Good side
  • Good to include a variety of materials.
  • Multiple activities and assignment is a great way to provide practice with concepts and ideas presented in the content of the modules.
  • The use of case studies can provide the user of the modules with opportunities to apply the information they are learning to "real world" contexts-which is a great strategy for long-term retention and understanding.
Poor side
  • Too much text to read.
  • Power Point Slides can't be downloaded, but can only be viewed as a html file.

Interface Design

Good side
  • All participants think the navigation is easy to use.
Poor side
  • The descriptions for all resource are not done consistently
  • Not consistent with font/style throughout all modules.
  • The background color in the Power Point slide makes the note difficult to read.
  • Need some guides about how to borrow the videos.

 

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Things need to be fixed:

  • This statement appears in the purpose/goal statement for the module ("Included are the following resources for use in Human Behavior and the Social Environment:"), but the resources are not listed on the screen. I would suggest either listing the resources or removing the sentence.
  • In the “Activities” section for each module the “short names” in the link index (left frame) do not always align well with the text in the main window. For example, in Module 2 the link is labeled “Resources on Dementia” but the explanation is “Visit to local programs for persons with dementia assignment.” I found this confusing and would suggest tighter alignment.
  • Module 1 – Useful Links: “Older Americans 2000: Key Indicators of Well Being: T his report covers 31 key indicators selected by the Forum to portray aspects of” extra space in the word “This”.
  • In the module "human behavior in social environment" Powerpoints page, the link "Click here to download an executable file which contains all 6 PowerPoint " doesn't work.

     

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