7.+Learner

=**Analyzing the Learners**=

Depending on the task you are completing, analyzing the learners can happen at different stages. For example in your group project, those of you selected for content experts, you already had a student group in mind when you discussed your topic. Go back and review the Dick and Carey ID model- analysis of the learners is tied to the instructional goals as well as the assessment used. In addition, review the article by Mayer on Cognitive Load.

Review information on Universal Design for Learning: [|CAST]www.cast.org or this one on [|curriculum modification] www.cast.org/publications/ncac/ncac_curriculummod.html

How does UDL assist the instructional designer in considering the needs of the learner? Properly prepared materials can be used by a variety of learners if UDL is considered in the planning and development.

Now let's go back to the discussion about how people learn? Some of you think that learner styles matters and that in looking at UDL information that they are talking about learning styles. //**Not exactly**//. Be sure to review the information on page 128 about learning styles. //"At present little evidence suggests that designing instruction to meet specific learning styles of individuals increases their academic achievement (Ellis, 2001). ..... if learner apprehend information differently then we need to provide a number of activities that stimulate learners' thinking in different ways."//

For your field, what methods are used to conduct learner analysis? Given what you have read and studied so far, do you think this is a valid application? Consider the differences in conducting learner analysis among education K-12, university, business or industry. Brainstorm new ways to conduct learner analysis. For your posting use a mind mapping/graphic organizer tool such as Inspiration or free tools C-Map or Freemind or Thinkgraph to create an idea tree. If you want to explore new Web 2.0 collaborative tools such as Mindmeister, Thinkature Save your creation as a picture (.jpg) and post. DO NOT insert a document you must post your graphic organizer as an image. Not sure how to save as a jpg. then take a screen shot using a free tool like Jing.

Example of a graphic for assessment of students with special needs:

then I can also do a table to compare the Dick and Carey Method to all these assessment ideas:
 * ===__Dick and Carey__=== || ===__Assessment of Special Learners - how it happens__=== ||
 * //Entry Behaviors// || Parent concerns, Review of school records ||
 * //Prior Knowledge// || review of school records, class grades ||
 * //Attitudes// || teacher observation, parent concerns ||
 * //Academic Motivation// || response to intervention, Functional behavior assessment ||
 * //Educational and ability// || high stakes assessment, individual assessment, CBM ||
 * //General Learning preferences// || individual assessment ||
 * //Attitudes toward organization// || individual assessment ||
 * //group characteristics// || comparison to peers ||

So what is going to matter more in our preparation for instruction?

Information on Instructional Design models for EDET 722 based on information from: Brown, A. & Green, T. D. (2006). The essentials of instructional design: Connecting fundamental principles with process and practice. Upper Saddle River: NJ: Pearson