Though this model will be time consuming, I believe it to be the most beneficial. The students can be set up as required by this model in a court-like manner. I would ask my students specifically how they felt about technologies and methods utilized in the class. I would use their criticisms to tweak what I am doing or to find a new set of methods that would better suit them. As far as benefit is concerned, it will be beneficial for the students because they will be able to hear how the technologies are helping their classmates and could make them more acceptable to the technology as a whole. It is also a way to ensure that the class is suiting the students’ needs.
The Goals and Objectives Based evaluation evaluates whether or not students have met their goals in the course as well as gives how to adapt the instructional method. This can be carried out in a classroom by setting goals or objectives of the course and having the students set their own long-term goals at the beginning of the school year. There could also be an implementation of a short period of time a student takes at the beginning of each week to write what they wish to accomplish (i.e. better grade on a quiz, better understanding of the lesson and etc.). Ultimately I will ask the students if they feel their goals are being met and use their assignments as a way to check and see if the overall classroom goals are being met individually. The outcome from asking the students and my person check of the achievement of goals will be used as a way to see how effective my instructional methods are and to tweak them for future purposes.
2. A technology that has been newly introduced to my job at the Rayburn Student Center is Time clock plus, and time track. Time clock plus is a technology that allows employees to punch in and out of work electronically. Time track is used by employees to fill out their timesheets so they can receive their earnings. Both technologies are used in the process of filling out the time sheet. First a person must login to time clock plus, go to the section titled hours and manually write down the hours and convert the way the time is formatted. For example, 3 hours and 15 minutes will be recorded as 3.25. After converting the time, the employees must now login to time track, input the data, and submit the time sheet.
The technology was introduced about a year ago and some coworkers still have trouble with submitting their timesheets. There are various reasons people are continuing to have issues with the programs and have been hindrances to the adoption of the programs. Some of my coworkers say that they forget that the timesheets are due Wednesday. Others have had trouble converting the amount of time worked into quarters. Previously employees had to sign a physical timesheet, and it would then the data on the sheet would be input on the computer. The employee that input the times would forward the information to the person that handles payroll in human resources who then forwards the times to the A&M System. The new system eliminates the need for someone to input the data on the computer, and transfers this responsibility to each employee. The fact that there is now one less paid position definitely assisted the adoption of the programs and was probably the primary reason for its introduction.
Now, if you neglect to fill- out and turn in your timesheet you do not get paid the next pay period. Thankfully, I have kind bosses who will call and wake you up at 7am to remind you to login and fill out your timesheet so you get paid on time. It has gotten much stricter because enough time has passed since it was adopted for everyone to adjust and learn how to use both Time Clock Plus and Time Track especially due to the resources available to learn and understand the systems. The resources that are being utilized to ensure employees are turning in their timesheets on time include emails, a pop up reminder when you punch in and out, posted reminders, a computer for just the purpose of using these programs in the office. These resources are making people less resistant to the adoption of these technologies. There is now a time conversion chart visible when you sign on which has helped to alleviate one of the most reoccurring issues. This system is primarily used by student workers and graduate assistants. Personally, I believe it helps people to become more responsible when they have a part in the process of getting paid.
3. Phase one: The first phase of situational leadership includes being directive, detailed and supervisory. My first step in this phase is to ensure I know every part of this technology thoroughly so that I can then have the knowledge to communicate and explain it thoroughly. Knowing all of the pros and cons will help me be best prepared to address issues and dispositions that teachers who are familiar with the technology have at introduction. For example, let’s say a teacher had previously worked with the technology and had a bad experience. I would want to try to know ahead of time the usual complexities, issues, and frequently asked questions associated with the technology. Second I would develop the best method of presenting the tool. Methods may include: video clips, power points, slide shows, handouts and/or showing in-person the different things that can be done using the technology. A workshop will be held giving all of this information. If I was promoting the use of electronic textbooks I could refer them to a site where they could browse through the books and the additional resources associated with the book themselves to become familiar with the new technology as I walked them through the session.
Phase Two: The teachers start to become familiar with the technology but may still not be to certain of the advantages or disadvantages or even the basics of using the technology. For this I would create a wiki and invite all of the teachers will be utilizing the technology. On that wiki page, I would provide a video of the seminar in case some wanted a recap, the materials presented (i.e. the power point), frequently asked question, and a message board for questions and concerns that everyone can respond to and give feedback. With everyone being able to access the wiki, this will open up a way to share more effective ways or additional ways to utilize the technology and even how their students have been responding. Letting everyone have an input and encouraging updated information gives people the opportunity to be involved and therefore better understand and adopt the technology.
Phase three: Teachers will be encouraged to go on the wiki site to give feedback of their progression with using the technology. A reward system can be implemented so that teachers that find additional ways to utilize the technology or additional resources to help their coworkers understand the technology can receive an incentive. Hopefully, this will act as a way of motivating the teacher in the understanding and using the technology.
Phase four: I will no longer need to be giving the instruction of the technology in this phase because multiple resources would have been made available for everyone involved enabling them to receive maximum performance from the new technology. My role now would be to keep a line of communication open just in case there happens to be an area someone discovers that I have not covered or an issue that has not been addressed. Also I will browse the wiki from time to time viewing the discussions of progressions and issues amongst the teachers.
Timeclock and time track are great tools to which you applied the innovation attributes discussion. Great job! Successful innovation adoption is getting the users to use/adopt--to buy into its use.
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