Date of Award
2004
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Education
Department
Fischler Graduate School of Education and Human Services
Advisor
Warren H. Groff
Committee Member
Richard Cardinali
Committee Member
Barbara Packer
Keywords
Adapted Mankato Survey, college web sites, counselor training, counselors, CREWS, database, evaluation plan, implementation plan, information sharing, interactivity, Irvine Valley College, IVC, knowledge base, literature reviews, navigation, needs assessment, online resources, program information, resource links, sister colleges, student services, surveys, technology, technological proficiency, training, web design criteria, web site development, web site evaluation, web site implementation plan, web sites, workplace technology training
Abstract
At Irvine Valley College (IVC), student services counselors lacked proficiency in technology and a common online resource. Thus, counselors could not provide students with timely, accurate information. This project developed (a) a Counselors’ Resource Extensive Web Site (CREWS), (b) a Web site implementation plan, and (c) a Web site evaluation plan.
Five research questions addressed (a) appropriate content for the CREWS, (b) CREWS Web site design criteria, (c) training needed by counselors, (d) a CREWS implementation plan, (e) a CREWS evaluation plan. Development, research, and evaluation methodologies were used in 22 procedures. These comprised literature reviews, analysis of sister colleges’ Web sites, criteria for surveys and plans, a needs assessment and Adapted Mankato Survey for technological proficiency, and data analysis.
Results showed that counselors selected similar topics to sister college Web sites and counselors needed technological training. Five conclusions were reached: (a) appropriate content included comprehensive information on IVC programs, links to resources, and information sharing; (b) fourteen Web design criteria included hierarchical organization, logical home page, consistent design, navigation convenience, and interactivity; (c) counselors needed extensive training to use CREWS; (d) an appropriate implementation plan could provide this training; and (e) an appropriate evaluation plan could monitor and improve implementation.
Seven recommendations were made: (a) departmental provision of technology training programs, (b) publication of study results on CREWS, (c) sharing of the Mankato Survey with other departments, (d) author’s presentation of findings to IVC personnel and sister colleges, (e) counselor evaluations with the Mankato Survey at 6 and 12 months, (f) administration of surveys to other departments’ staff, and (g) sharing of CREWS with sister colleges and comparison of evaluations.