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[[Category:Westminster]]
== Status ==
=== Primary Goal ===
To '''plan''', '''implement''' and '''evaluate''' a training course for users and trainers using the Westminster computer lab. The intention of this series of three training sessions is to provide basic computer skills to allow users to conduct classes and meetings in Westminster computer lab. In this way, many people can learn how to use the computer lab, train other members, or provide assistance to help "distribute" the technical support loadworkload. These courses will also enable users to coordinate with other users on-line to effectively plan, implement and evaluate future courses and/or church-related projects or initiatives.
=== Secondary Goal ===
Since these sessions are designed to teach "users" and "teachers", these initial sessions will be '''free'''<br />(i.e. no charge).
=== Course Content / Learning Style ===
In order for Westminster staff, volunteers and general congregation to meet newer technical challenges for their church, training should focus on collaboration and follow-up skills through the use of technology as opposed to simply using technology to gain information. Today, individuals are aware that web-pages, e-mails, and electronic bulletin boards are interesting ways to access information, but individuals also need to develop the subtle art of <u>online</u> communication, collaboration, monitoring and follow-up in order to effect change. People need to recognize the advantages and limitations of each type of communication technology, and use each one to its maximum potential.
Great care must be taken to "deconstruct" (or remove built-in biases) from traditional learning methods that tend to hinder, and not empower the student in collaborating over the Internet.
These series of courses should adopt the following principles:
* '''Movement away from tests, and more emphasis on group projects.''' Adults tend to be "tired" at the end of the day, but fun activities such as "break-out" sessions, ice-breakers, and group projects can be effective methods to keep students engaged and monitor participation. This is solidly supported by "Adult Learning Principles".
* '''Immediate and graduated use of personal WIKIs.''' Students need to "drop the textbook", and move "towards the cloud" (i.e. contribute to online database) in order to interact and share vital information and ideas with their peers and with the World. Course notes and readings already contained in WIKIs allow instructors to direct students to edit their wiki to link to learning content. Students will slowly learn the value of a WIKI and rely on their WIKI as opposed to traditional hard-copy educational media.
* '''Building a community''' of WIKIs (planet) to allow others to share information and collaborate.
* '''Learn to check on WIKI activity''' via "Watch Lists". In this way, students learn to follow-up with group information sharing in a consistent and frequent manner.
* '''Using informal evaluation''' (feedback) methods in order to identify and solve potential problems and mis-communication.
* '''Realistic, practical, and fun projects''' that can benefit the church, as well as provide examples how they can continue to use these skills long after they have completed these series of courses.
* '''Learn to revise and organise online content''' (as required).
* '''Gain an appreciation of contributing to the "Global Database"''', and realize (self-actualization) that other people (including beyond the classroom) are viewing (benefiting) from the same content.
* '''Open Source software used by students in Westminster computer lab should be "Multi-platform"''' which means available in other operating systems (like MicroSoft Windows and Apple OSX) in order to practice and use software from their home computer.
=== Requirement / Commitment ===
Members will be asked to participate (based on availability). Members must agree to commit to the full duration of each course (each course is estimated to last 6 weeks). The purpose for this "commitment" is to allow the members not only to become familiar, but actually master simple computer applications which will lead to better planning, coordination, implementation, and follow-up of church projects.
A <u>minimum</u> commitment of taking attending the first 2 courses is required recommended to provide the members with computer lab basics and master online and collaborative toolscollaboration.
Candidates should be informed that '''although free, each course would have an approx value of $70-$80, and a higher value of $250 at a community college level''' (not to mention of the costs and time incurred of developing an effective and customized curriculum for Westminster United Church) . Each student must understand that '''excellent attendance is absolutely essential to not only gain skills, but help out the church work as a team to achieve its targeted project goals.''' by applying skills that are learned in these courses (especially the first 2 courses).
=== Proposed Courses Offered ===
Click on each link for a full subject outline of each course:
=== Course Planning ===
==== The PIE Method Curriculum Design Framework ====
[[Image:pie.png||right|300px]]
The PIE '''methodPIE''' framework is one of the classic approach must recognised approaches to designing course curriculum. Elements of these training sessions will provide students with skills to help plan, implement, and evaluate courses. Although primarily used for course development, this framework could also be adapted for designing, implementing and monitoring church projects.
The '''PIE ''' method of curriculum (project) development relates to 3 specific areas or stages:
<table>
<tr>
<td width="75px175px">'''P'''lanning stage:</td>
<td>Identify and understand the needs of the student (clients), as well as the content to deliver (task to achieve).<td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>'''I'''mplementation stage:</td>
<td>Creation of course delivery (for example: lesson plans, projects, evaluation, etc.).</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>'''E'''valuation stage:</td>
<td> to review the course's (project's) effectiveness in order to provide for future improvement.</td><br />
</tr>
