Learning Environment & Situational Factors to Consider
- Specific Context of the Teaching/Learning Situation
How many students are in the class? Is the course primary, secondary, undergraduate, or graduate level? How long and frequent are the class meetings? How will the course be delivered: live, online, blended, flipped or in a classroom or lab? What physical elements of the learning environment will affect the class? What technology, networking and access issues will affect the class?
I will be teaching this to each grade level team at a time, so there will 5-6 teachers at a time. We will meet once a week for 4 weeks for about an hour. The class will be delivered in person but I will also be creating slides and possibly a video for them to reference when needed. If the network is down, we would not be able to have the class.
- General Context of the Learning Situation
What learning expectations are placed on this course or curriculum by: the school, district, university, college and/or department? the profession? society?
The teachers are expected to be able to assist their students with their own ePortfolio when we implement this in our school.
- Nature of the Subject
Is this subject primarily theoretical, practical, or a combination? Is the subject primarily convergent or divergent? Are there important changes or controversies occurring within the field?
Teaching how to create an ePortfolio is practical. The teachers will be using the lessons they learn to teach their students how to create their own ePortfolios in the classroom. Learning how to use the technology is mainly convergent. There are options to choose from but there are certain things that must be included.
- Characteristics of the Learners
What is the life situation of the learners (e.g., socio-economic, cultural, personal, family, professional goals)? What prior knowledge, experiences, and initial feelings do students usually have about this subject? What are their learning goals and expectations?
The learners are teachers who have students that they will want to use ePortfolios with. They will be able to see student’s reflection of their learning and will use this to personalize their student’s learning also.
- Characteristics of the Teacher
What beliefs and values does the teacher have about teaching and learning? What is his/her attitude toward: the subject? students? What level of knowledge or familiarity does s/he have with this subject? What are his/her strengths in teaching?
The teacher teaching this course is excited about the possibilities that ePortfolios can bring to their own classroom and their school. Having students have the opportunity to reflect on their learning is something that is so beneficial and is currently lacking in our school. The teacher has created their own ePortfolio and is knowledgeable in technology, often helping others in the school troubleshoot their own technology issues.