Changes

To '''plan''', '''implement''' and '''evaluate''' a training course for users and trainers using the Westminster computer lab. The intention of these 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.

=== Requirements Course Content / Learning Style ===

Members will be asked In order for Westminster staff, volunteers and general congregation to participate (based meet newer technical challenges for their church, training should focus on availability)collaboration and follow-up skills through the use of technology as opposed to simply using technology to gain information. Members must agree Today, individuals are aware that web-pages, e-mails, and electronic bulletin boards are interesting ways to commit access information, but individuals also need to develop the full duration subtle art of each course (each course is estimated <u>online</u> communication, collaboration, monitoring and follow-up in order to last 6 weeks)effect change. The purpose for this "commitment" is People need to allow recognize the members to become familiar with the computer lab in order advantages and limitations of each type of communication technology, and use each one to maximise its benefitsmaximum potential.

Candidates should Great care must be informed taken to "deconstruct" (or remove built-in biases) from traditional learning methods that '''although free, each course would have an approx value of $70-$80tend to hinder, and a higher value of $250 at a community college level''' (not to mention of empower 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 to achieve its goals''' by applying skills that are learned in these courses (especially collaborating over the first 2 courses)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 attending the first 2 courses is recommended to master online collaboration. 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 work as a team to achieve targeted project goals.''' === Proposed Courses Offered ===

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

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="175px">'''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></table>  All course content, teacher lesson plans, etc. should be contained on Westminster's WIKI in order to grow content, and not "re-invent the wheel". This online method will make it easier for new teachers to better prepare from a consistent and useful "support network". Other church Action Groups or departments may benefit from viewing this online organisation structure, and hence adopt and modify to meet their own needs.

Appropriate time must be given during the <u>'''P''It is this author'</u>lanning stage s opinion that opposed to identify and understand the needs of the studentUnited Church's online cafe (Top-Down approach), as well as a complete support structure for the content to teach. After future growth of the planning stage, then United Church of Canada requires a growth from the developer must focus on the course delivery or <u>'''I'''</u>mplementation (including lesson plans, evaluation, etc.)"inside-out". FinallyIn other words, the course developer each church needs to <u>develop its own shareable online database (catering to each church'''E'''</u>valuate the effectiveness s unique needs) to successfully solve most of the lesson in terms of implementation their challenges (perhaps planningboth traditional and technical) . Eventually, individual church resources should be merged in order a general WIKI to assist churchs to provide feedback (improvement) for future course sessionssolve unique and specialised problems.''

==== Initial Course Time-lines line ====

This will allow some flexibility in case some member are not available to attend the first 6 weeks. Below is a diagram of the course time-lines. A <u>minimum</u> commitment of taking the first 2 courses is required to provide the members with computer lab basics and online and collaborative tools.

Murray Saul<br />''Professor, School of Computer Studies'NOTE',<br />Seneca College, Toronto, ON, Canada<br />e-mail:''' Classes that land murray.saul@senecac.on a holiday weekend will be delayed until the following week.ca<br />webpage: murraysaul.wordpress.com