Date of Award
2002
Document Type
Practicum
Degree Name
Doctor of Education
Department
Programs for Higher Education
Advisor
Susan A. Torbenson
Keywords
center for interactive learning and collaboration, continuing education, distance learning, instructional manual, manual development, presenter training, program evaluation, quick-start manual, teacher training, training development, training programs, user training, video conferencing, Vision Athena
Abstract
Providing for the training of first-time users to the Vision Athena video conferencing system became increasingly difficult because of the rapid growth of the system. In tum, the lack of training contributed to the decrease in quality of first-time events adding to the frustration of presenters and participants. The problem was that the Center for Interactive Learning and Collaboration did not have a training plan to match the volume of growth that occurred. It was, therefore, necessary to provide a quick-start manual that was concise, easy to understand, and easy to use.
The purpose of the study was to develop a manual for teachers and presenters new to the Vision Athena video conferencing system. The three research questions for this project were: "What criteria do distance learning teachers or presenters consider most important in delivering distance learning classes or presentations successfully?", "What specific criteria should be considered in creating a video conferencing quick-start manual?", and "What are the appropriate content and format for the video conferencing quick-start manual?"
The criteria for developing the quick-start manual included information that was gained from three sources: (a) literature review, (b) discussions with Vision Athena content providers, and ( c) discussions with the CILC staff and consultants. Two CILC staff members and three consultants made up a formative committee that provided valuable feedback. The summative committee, consisting of one content provider, and a consultant and an administrator from CILC, provided validation for the project.
The resulting manual included a general overview which listed steps to take when preparing for a video conferencing session, and a series of steps that outlined the operation of the Vision Athena equipment. The manual included other sheets which were more specific in nature, as well, each one centering on a single topic.
First-time users reported that using the manual allowed them to be comfortable operating the Vision Athena system. In addition, because of the information provided in the manual, the quality of the first time experience was sufficient to encourage them to seek further training and to begin integrating video conferencing into their curricular offerings. Experienced users have expressed gratitude for the manual and have stated that it contains the necessary components for first-time users to be successful, therefore providing further validation to the need, usefulness, and content of the manual.
It was concluded that using the quick-start manual would enable Vision Athena users to enjoy a successful first-time experience. It was further concluded that the quick-start manual could continue to be a useful reference tool after initial use.
An appropriate way to proceed is to increase the training opportunities for individuals who are new to the Vision Athena system, and to provide the quick-start manual when teachers or presenters need to use the system prior to receiving formal training. However, it is vital to continue to offer formal training sessions.
There were six recommendations that came from this study. The first recommendation was to implement the quick-start manual immediately. The second recommendation was to complete the evaluation tool for the quick-start manual. The third recommendation was a call for CILC to continue its commitment to the new formalized training process. The fourth recommendation called for the establishment of a new evaluation structure that could track the quality and quantity of training offered by CILC. The fifth recommendation was that CILC would support training in a manner that would help Vision Athena users realize the importance of the training. The sixth recommendation called for CILC to continue seeking approval from the University of Indianapolis to offer continuing education credits for those who complete the training program.