This document outlines a proposal to develop an orientation for new students in the COMET education program at SDSU. It discusses conducting research through a literature review and student surveys to determine the needs of COMET students. The goal is to create a prototype web-based orientation that helps students feel connected, aware of time commitments, and familiar with program interfaces. It will provide an ongoing orientation throughout the program using a social networking site. The orientation aims to better prepare students for the unique challenges of being educators in an online graduate program.

1. COMET ORIENTATION Nate Aldworth Brian Campbell EDTEC 795A Fall 2009

2. The Challenge Help SDSU EDTEC department develop an orientation for new COMET cohorts Unique population of K-12 educators An adaptable web-based product Aggregate vs. Individual data Three unique viewpoints

3. Our Purpose and Intent Creation of prototype orientation product for current and future COMET students Stakeholders: SDSU EDTEC Department Dr. Bober-Michel (Chair) Dr. Dodge (cohort advisor and point of contact) COMET 1 Fall 07-Summer 09 COMET 2 Fall 08-Summer 10 COMET 3 Fall 09-Summer 11

4. Impact of Literature Example graduate level orientations Ongoing training concept Pre-program + during program Class Text Efficiency in Learning (Chapter 7) Segmenting Sequencing Learner Pacing

5. Impact of Literature (cont’d.) Processes for successful student engagement: Orientation to features of learning space Communicate asynchronously or synchronously Opportunities to develop social networks with others Self management skills for task deadlines

6. Approach Needs assessment COMET-specific student needs EDTEC Departmental requirements Design and Delivery What should the orientation include? When should orientation be administered? Who should be involved?

7. Survey Creation and Implementation Meetings with Dr. Dodge Input and revisions from Dr. Bober-Michel Distributed to each of the three COMET cohort groups Even participation among groups

8. Methodology Accomplishment Analyze Data Design Prototype Develop Structures Process Consultation Survey Product Report

9. Evaluation 3 Indicators of successful orientation Students feel more connected to each other Students are more aware of time constraints Students more familiar with web-based interfaces used in the program How do we know? Compile long-term Interview/survey data Compare results, discussions, debrief

10. Conclusions Orientation necessary for COMET students Should start before the first semester Should not be a “one-time” event, but on going throughout the program There should be a social network for students to orient themselves to the program and also to each other

11. Our Product Used the Ning social networking site cometorientation.ning.com Video, tutorials, forums, external links, etc.

12. THANK YOU!! Time for Questions