Dorothy P Fuller, Ed.D. Black Hills State University

1. Dorothy P Fuller, Ed.D. Black Hills State University Learning Complex Skills Through LMS-based Simulations

2. Learning Goals • Lead in the development and evaluation of technology planning & implementation • Develop effective group processing skills • Develop strategies for managing change in public school settings • Follow procedures & guidelines in planning & purchasing technology resources

3. Participants 18 graduate educational technology students: • 3 time zones • Working teachers with families • Half accessed courses from school computers • All had technology of various ages & capabilities

4. Simulation/Problem Technology Task Force members are assigned a two-pronged task • Make recommendation for implementing interactive whiteboards in district • Recommend staff development plan for easing adaptation to change

5. Instructor’s Roles • Resource Librarian • Support coordinator • Superintendent’s script writer

6. Simulation Environment • Learning Management System: Desire2Learn • Discussion • Chat • Content • Dropbox • Gradebook • Elluminate! Live

7. Structure/Set-up - Content • Course Documents included • Course overview & goals • Calendar • Links to pre- and post-tests • Course procedures & instructions • Checklists & rubrics • Reference and resource materials • Required reports structure templates

8. Structure/Set-up - Discussion • Board Room (for full committee sessions) • Work rooms (for subcommittee work) • Resource Librarian • Break room

9. Structure/Set-up – Drop Box • Interim report folders • Final report folders • Info copy of report content requirements

10. Structure/Set-up - Resources • Video & text copies of committee charge • Information about school district • Roles & responsibilities for committee members & chairs • Articles on adult learning & staff development • Articles on managing change • Information on interactive whiteboards

11. Structure/Set-up – Optional Tools • Synchronous Chat • Elluminate! Live Sessions • Other communications tools that met member requirements

12. Simulation Structure • Entire group received committee charge from district superintendent • Committee met as a whole to determine • roles and responsibilities, • work divisions, and • internal deadlines • Worked with resource librarian to set up subcommittee work space

13. Simulation Structure (cont.) • First task: • Identify learning & teaching needs of district • Review potential applications of interactive whiteboards • Explore available options • Draft recommendation to superintendent

14. Simulation Structure (cont.) • Second task • Identify potential problems of implementation • Identify types of resistance to change • Identify effective staff development approaches to minimize resistance • Submit final report to superintendent

15. Checks & Coaching • Resource Librarian support for questions & resource requests • Interim report feedback from superintendent • Instructor feedback and coaching based on mid-term reflective assignment

16. Assessing Results Pre- & post-tests constructed to assess knowledge & learning in 4 areas: • Duties & responsibilities of leaders & committee members • Capabilities & limitations of interactive whiteboards • Effective methods of staff development • Effective methods of implementing change

17. Measures of Learning • Pre/post test comparisons showed high levels of learning in all 4 areas • Participant comments indicated especially deeper understanding of leadership skill requirements through the simulation format

18. For More Information Contact: Dorothy P Fuller Black Hills State University 1200 University St., Unit 9116 Spearfish, SD 57799-9116 (605) 642-6887 DorothyFuller@bhsu.edu