Changes

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, collaboratationcollaboration, monitoring and follow-up in order to effect change. In additional, they also People need to understand 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.

* '''Movement away from tests, and more emphasis on a group projects.''' Adults tend to be "tired" and 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 PricinplesPrinciples".* '''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 in generalWorld. Course notes and readings to be created already contained in a WIKI to WIKIs allow instructor instructors to simply provide links direct students to each student edit their wiki to add link to their WIKIlearning content. Students will slowly learn the value of a WIKI and rely on that their WIKI as opposed to traditional hard-copy educational media.

* '''Learn to check own WIKI activity and other on WIKI activity''' via "Watch Lists". In this way, students learn to follow-up with group information sharing in a consistent and frequent manner.

* '''Realistic, practical, and Fun 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 organize organise online content''' (as required).

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 ===

==== The PIE Method Curriculum Design Framework ====

The '''PIE''' 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.