Transcript EMSTAC Evaluation: What we Learned

Sharing our Learning
Accessing Research-based Resources
through the Web
EMSTAC
Elementary & Mi ddle Schools
Technical Assis tance Center
www.emstac.org
Council for Exceptional Children
Kansas City, Kansas
April 21, 2001
Judy L. Wald
Kristin Ruedel
The Office of Special Education
Programs (OSEP) and Technical
Assistance
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OSEP funds 40
technical assistance
and dissemination
projects nation-wide
EMSTAC is one of
these centers.
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Clearinghouses
Regional Resource
Centers
Topical Centers:
• Early Childhood
• Transition
• Inclusion
• Families
• Technology
• Behavior
• Reading
Elementary and Middle Schools
Technical Assistance Center
EMSTAC’s mission:
To develop a comprehensive
approach to TA that can be
used nationwide to improve
results for children with
disabilities.

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EMSTAC
Elementary & Middle Schools
Technical Assistance Center
EMSTAC is evaluating 3
TA delivery strategies.
EMSTAC Strategies
Our varying interventions
Training
Financial Support
I
Face-toface
II
Face-toface
Linking Agent salary Support provided
and some expenses through electronic
mechanisms plus site
visits as necessary
$1,000 honorarium Support provided
through electronic
mechanisms plus site
visits as necessary
No financial support Distance education
provided
plus evaluation site
visit
III Distance
Ed
Liaison Support
Why Distance Education?
The Goals of Web Based
Training

Flexibility for user to
access.
 Expansiveness - can
reach across the
country.
 Multi dimensional
instructional methods.
 Self-learning
opportunities.
Web Based Training Program
The Key Features

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Restricted Access - password protected
Outline of each module - preview
Streaming audio-video
Interaction - Needs assessment, threaded
discussion
Opportunities for feedback - questions
Accessing the Training Component...
Password protected...
The Places to Go...
Preview...
Interaction….
The Nominal Group Technique
Prioritizing my perceived needs...
Needs assessment results...
The Summary….
What we Learned:
Development

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It is important to know the
technical capabilities of your
audience
A strong support team with
multiple skills is essential
Site areas for “chatting” are
desired
Usability testing is crucial
People like hard-copies: Develop
supplement materials
What we Learned:
Implementation

Technological glitches will
develop
 Users come to the training with
different levels of experience
 A great on-line training is not
enough
 Continuous evaluations and small
amendments will enhance
effectiveness of the training
Conclusion

Questions,
comments, feedback
 Contacting us
 Thanks
EMSTAC
Elementary & Mi ddle Schools
Technical Assis tance Center
www.emstac.org
“The greatest thing in the
world is not so much where
we stand, as in which
direction we are moving.”
--Oliver Wendell Holmes
Visit our website:
http://www.emstac.org