Asynchronous Role Playing Online: Making a Program Evaluation Course More Authentic
Abstract: Program evaluation courses have traditionally been difficult for social science students. They struggle with statistics and the ability to visualize how to use math in the practice. In an attempt solve this problem, a program evaluation course was created that incorporated authentic learning experiences using VoiceThread. Students used a scenario. They worked with data and presented the results to “their stakeholders.” Their fellow students were the “stakeholders” and responded to the presenter with questions or requests for more information. For example one activity required students to develop a program flowchart and explain to their ‘stakeholders’ where the data is collected in the process and how it can be used in program decision-making. The learning activities resulted in increased student engagement in the content and comprehension of the material. Student survey feedback indicated they appreciated the value of the exercises and how it demonstrated relevance to the practice.
Objectives
At the end of the session, attendees will be able to: • Appreciate the value of asynchronous role playing • Identify a course in their curriculum that is well suited for asynchronous role playing • Create an outline for a course that incorporates authentic experience with asynchronous role playing. • Identify a potential video technology for asynchronous role playingTopical Outline
Topical Outline of Content I. Introduction II. Background/history of course III. Structural and learning design changes from original to new A. Results from new B. Lessons learned IV. Create an outline for a course using asynchronous role playing A. Identify a suitable course B. Identify a potential technology C. Identify objectives and 1 activity V. Summary/conclusionExperience Level
BeginnerQualifications
One author is an instructional designed who has worked in the field for over 15 years. The next two authors are social work faculty who teach in a large MSW program. And the final author is the Assistant Vice President of Academic Affairs for Online Learning at a small, private university with many online programs. Together they've worked to make the MSW program as effective and engaging as it can be for the online MSW students. They want to share this collaborative process with others so they may benefit as well from what they've learned.Presider: Lyudmila Smirnova, Mount Saint Mary College