Methods Used for Data Collection

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Data Collection Instruments

Data collection is a term used to describe a process of preparing and collecting data. The main purpose of collecting data is to answer questions whose answers are not immediately obvious. Collecting this information is an important part of the process of continual developing and improving quality instruction in the classroom. To collect relative data for any evaluation, instruments are utilized to gather pertinent information. During this formative evaluation on fundamental keyboard instruction, five original instruments were developed to collect relevant data.

Instruments Used for SME Phase

A subject matter expert (SME) is a person who is an expert in a particular area or topic. The SME selected is currently serving as the Career and Development Coordinator at Elkin City Schools. This administrator previously taught business courses, particularly high school computer proficiency courses for more than 22 years. She has been instrumental, within this school system, in developing a full spectrum of courses beginning with computer fundamentals to a level of mastery. Her input, backed by her extensive knowledge and expertise, will greatly benefit in the identification of any gaps or misconceptions that may currently exist within this designed instructional unit.

In order to identify these gaps and misconceptions, an interview, with a predefined questionnaire, will be conducted with the SME (Appendix A). The SME will be given the proposed instructional unit. Following ample time to review this unit, the evaluator will meet with the SME to discuss the findings. Of particular interest, feedback will be solicited on the relevant time spent on the instruction, accuracy and value of the cont...

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...to have partially mastered the material presented. A score of less than 60% will be considered as not mastered. This post-assessment will be delivered and graded online. This will add to the validity of the results as data and reports are generated without regard to the student identity. Students will receive immediate feedback on the results of the assessment upon submission.

Once the instructional unit including post-assessment has been completed, students will be surveyed in order to determine the overall student perception of the unit. The survey (Appendix E) will use a Likert scale to determine students’ reactions and attitudes towards the instructional unit. This survey will be administered and tabulated online. Students will be given full anonymity in their responses. Therefore, students will be encouraged to offer feedback to the evaluator.

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