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| Thursday, 21 July 2005: 11:15 AM-12:00 PM | |||
| Yerba Buena Salon 11 (San Francisco Marriott) | |||
| G-2: Data-driven Decisions for WebCT Training and Support | |||
| Detailed Description: | This session focuses on the design and use of a centralized web-accessible database for maintaining records which include information on the type and frequency of help provided to instructors. The presentation will cover basic database design considerations as well as the ways in which staff analyze and use tracking data in the delivery and planning of training and support. Discussion will emphasize the importance of such a system during WebCT Vista implementation. | ||
| Presentation Format: | Showcase | ||
| Topic: | Planning e-learning: Strategies for Institutional Change | ||
| Target Audience: | E-learning Managers | ||
| Appropriate Audience Level: | Beginning or new users of WebCT, Experienced WebCT users | ||
| Abstract Text: | The Instructional Resource Center at the University of Connecticut has implemented the use of a web-accessible database for recording contacts with instructors seeking assistance with WebCT and other teaching related technology. The information obtained in this process has proved beneficial in several ways. We have been able to (1) document the fact that the majority of the requests for help are WebCT related, (2) determine which are the most frequently occurring WebCT problems, (3) analyze the breakdown of help sessions by mode of contact, and (4) maintain a cumulative record of contacts for each person we help. As a result, we have been able to (1) present metrics to the university which justify the need for more staff, (2) develop help materials that target the most frequently occurring problems, (3) identify the need for additional phone lines, and (4) make it possible for anyone to access an instructor's record during a help session to see the history of help with that or other problems. Filemaker Pro was selected as the database application for this record keeping system primarily because it was relatively inexpensive and it could deliver the functions needed – a database that was easy to create and maintain and could be easily published to the web. It also needed to allow for quick and efficient data entry because the goal was to use it in real-time as help was provided. This was accomplished by using drop-down lists, check boxes, and automatic fill-ins. Another important feature was an easy means for viewing all prior records for any one individual. This task could be easily accomplished using FileMaker Pro's portal feature. In five months, over 775 help sessions were entered into the database. Currently, a second version of the database is being developed to incorporate refinements based on user feedback. | ||
| Session Leader: | Janet W. Jordan University of Connecticut | ||
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