literature review from Clark

Moving onto the prototype…I’m trying to decide which format I like and I think the developing technical training book by Ruth Clark is going to help me a lot at this point. Here are some notes I made from the chapters to help me with my next step:

Steps: Needs Analysis: (we’re assuming here that training is the appropriate solution)

Task analysis: define the content of the training program. Observe skilled performers, interviewing, or reading documentation to get ideas. Subject existing knowledge from what needs to be taught. Prior knowledge of high school students already includes accessing the internet, using Microsoft Word but 50% have never used a cover letter and/or resume.

Definition of learning objectives: What do I want learners to do with the content? Some of the objectives from our systems specifications were formatting a cover letter using a template and signing into a teen worker blog to post individual comments. I think these are good sized segments I would like to do for my prototype.
I am teaching a PROCEDURE…set of clearly defined steps done more or less the same way every time. Of the two basic types, mine is pretty linear, not too much decision trees involved except for students personalizing it with their information. Books suggest a clear display of the steps and a follow along demonstration. I can handle that.
Break into discrete actions and start each with an action word.
Possible format:

Development of learning materials: Am I going to use workbook, CBT or video to teach my segment? I am thinking video is too time consuming/complicated especially since the tasks are pretty simple. I’m siding with CBT with a job aid to reference from the workbook, I wonder if it is okay to use this combo?

(Try out with revision, and implementation of the final product.)

Our key areas of focus are interviewing, cover letters and resumes with a side of job hunting. We will have to hash out who will cover what within our group and narrow that particular subject down to a 15 min. segment.