ETEC 600: Theory and Practice in Educational Technology (Dr. Curtis Ho, Fall 2012)
NEEDS ANALYSIS RECOMMENDATION:
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DESCRIPTION
Our group (Kelley, Patty, and Leon) developed a needs analysis recommendation for Starfire Hotels & Resorts Hawai'i. The needs analysis focused on Starfire Hotels' desire to train the frontline staff to speak basic Mandarin language phrases and communicate in a manner that is respectful of the Chinese culture.
REFLECTION
1. Explain the process of how you decided what to include in your recommendations.
We decided to include an explanation of all the data collection methods with the respective questions or guidelines for each in survey, mind maps, and text forms. We provided a link to our online survey, thinking that it was too lengthy to include in the document. It was important to describe the methods and the reasoning behind each, so they could understand the entire process including the hotel’s role and responsibilities. We wanted them to understand how the needs analysis process affects training design. Learning about the current environment, demographics, and job tasks, then contrasting that with what they wish to ultimately see in employee job performance, will determine the content of their Chinese cultural and Mandarin language training. We tried to be very detailed in identifying when and where hotel employees had the most frequent contact with Chinese-speaking guests. Those points of contact included those where current problems exist, as well as those where they could find new opportunities to provide excellent, tailored guest service. We included SMEs in the Ilicano and Spanish languages, since such a large proportion of hotel employees in the housekeeping and culinary departments speak those as their first language, so they could identify if there are any language or literacy barriers that would need to be factored into the training.
2. Do you think designing a needs analysis plan for a client to implement is different from designing a plan that you would implement? Why or Why not?
Yes, a needs analysis for a client has to pass the “plane crash test.” If our consulting team were to be in a plane crash, would there be enough detail in our needs analysis plan for the client to successfully implement. All assumptions, even vocabulary terms, need be clearly laid out. These assumptions might not necessarily be spelled out if it was a plan we needed to implement. However, it is good practice to be thorough even if the plan is internal, in case someone else needs to implement it.
3. What did you learn about teamwork and meeting deadlines from completing this task? What will you do differently next time?
Our team worked especially well this week to accomplish the assignment goals. We remained flexible in accommodating each group members busy schedule, while at the same time respecting internal group deadlines. Our meeting times are becoming more efficient and focused on completing essential tasks for moving forward. As a group we have become accustomed to each others working styles and have developed a rhythm that works for us. There are not any recommendations for improvement at this time.
We decided to include an explanation of all the data collection methods with the respective questions or guidelines for each in survey, mind maps, and text forms. We provided a link to our online survey, thinking that it was too lengthy to include in the document. It was important to describe the methods and the reasoning behind each, so they could understand the entire process including the hotel’s role and responsibilities. We wanted them to understand how the needs analysis process affects training design. Learning about the current environment, demographics, and job tasks, then contrasting that with what they wish to ultimately see in employee job performance, will determine the content of their Chinese cultural and Mandarin language training. We tried to be very detailed in identifying when and where hotel employees had the most frequent contact with Chinese-speaking guests. Those points of contact included those where current problems exist, as well as those where they could find new opportunities to provide excellent, tailored guest service. We included SMEs in the Ilicano and Spanish languages, since such a large proportion of hotel employees in the housekeeping and culinary departments speak those as their first language, so they could identify if there are any language or literacy barriers that would need to be factored into the training.
2. Do you think designing a needs analysis plan for a client to implement is different from designing a plan that you would implement? Why or Why not?
Yes, a needs analysis for a client has to pass the “plane crash test.” If our consulting team were to be in a plane crash, would there be enough detail in our needs analysis plan for the client to successfully implement. All assumptions, even vocabulary terms, need be clearly laid out. These assumptions might not necessarily be spelled out if it was a plan we needed to implement. However, it is good practice to be thorough even if the plan is internal, in case someone else needs to implement it.
3. What did you learn about teamwork and meeting deadlines from completing this task? What will you do differently next time?
Our team worked especially well this week to accomplish the assignment goals. We remained flexible in accommodating each group members busy schedule, while at the same time respecting internal group deadlines. Our meeting times are becoming more efficient and focused on completing essential tasks for moving forward. As a group we have become accustomed to each others working styles and have developed a rhythm that works for us. There are not any recommendations for improvement at this time.
AECT STANDARDS
Standard 1: Content Knowledge
Candidates demonstrate the knowledge necessary to create, use, assess, and manage theoretical and practical applications of educational technologies and processes. |
Standard 2: Content Pedagogy
Candidates develop as reflective practitioners able to demonstrate effective implementation of educational technologies and processes based on contemporary content and pedagogy. |
Standard 3: Learning Environments
Candidates facilitate learning by creating, using, evaluating, and managing effective learning environments. |
FEEDBACK
Needs Analysis Outline
Your questions are on target and clearly help to determine needs. One area that you should inquire is on the target audience’s ability to use technology for learning on demand. So you should find out more about the optimum conditions for delivering training and the ability of the trainees to receive. Your overall outline is well done and should provide a solid basis for completing your report.
Data Collection Plan
Excellent questions! The level of detail throughout your plan is amazing. I wouldn’t have considered the Illicano and Spanish language issues but I am glad you considered all variables. I would definitely like to use your plan as an example for next year’s class. I am eager to see how you incorporate this plan into your overall recommendation report.
Needs Analysis Recommendation Document
Again, your Team KPL continues to impress. Your level of detail and realism in your recommendation to DHC is unmatched. All sections are exemplary but I especially like the Integrating Current Technologies section as it provides at a glance, various delivery options for training. Were this a real contract with DCH, I would gladly submit your professionally prepared recommendations. Congratulations on completing a highly successful project.
Presentation Briefing
Great briefing. Your slides were very nicely designed, professional looking. You did a great job in presenting a lot of content even though you went a bit over the time allotment. Good job in making a convincing briefing.
Your questions are on target and clearly help to determine needs. One area that you should inquire is on the target audience’s ability to use technology for learning on demand. So you should find out more about the optimum conditions for delivering training and the ability of the trainees to receive. Your overall outline is well done and should provide a solid basis for completing your report.
Data Collection Plan
Excellent questions! The level of detail throughout your plan is amazing. I wouldn’t have considered the Illicano and Spanish language issues but I am glad you considered all variables. I would definitely like to use your plan as an example for next year’s class. I am eager to see how you incorporate this plan into your overall recommendation report.
Needs Analysis Recommendation Document
Again, your Team KPL continues to impress. Your level of detail and realism in your recommendation to DHC is unmatched. All sections are exemplary but I especially like the Integrating Current Technologies section as it provides at a glance, various delivery options for training. Were this a real contract with DCH, I would gladly submit your professionally prepared recommendations. Congratulations on completing a highly successful project.
Presentation Briefing
Great briefing. Your slides were very nicely designed, professional looking. You did a great job in presenting a lot of content even though you went a bit over the time allotment. Good job in making a convincing briefing.