Analysing the teaching and learning needs Workshop for WSI CGVE / ABE teachers Carol Walsh V

Presentation name v.1002 Outline What is involved in a needs analysis? What information do I need to gather? Example of current learning resource project (Preparation for Work and Study – numeracy resources)

Presentation name v.1003 What is a needs analysis? A needs analysis is a detailed investigation of the resource need/s to help find a solution to those need/s. A needs analysis helps to define the type of resource that will be developed. It involves: building a profile of the target audience Identifying the nature of the learning environment Identifying the education and training needs determining how the content will be organised determining the digital media requirements

Presentation name v.1004 Building a profile of the target audience and the learning environment Find out about the broad characteristics of the students and/or teachers who will use the resource, including: age gender level of language and literacy skills computer skills computer access prior knowledge of the content online experience access to teacher support and or peer contact any other defining characteristics Questions to ask: Why would they use this resource? How would they use this resource?

Presentation name v.1005 Education and training needs Find out more about the nature of the content and the education and training requirements for the resource. Refer to the: training package specific units of competence (check the unit guides, range statements as well as the elements and performance criteria) syllabus documents Determine the learning design approach: What skills and knowledge are required? What content will be required to meet the education and training needs of the resource? How will the content be organised? What activity types will be appropriate for this target audience? What pedagogical models would be most appropriate? What delivery options are realistic and achievable?

Presentation name v.1006 Media requirements Start thinking about the type of media that will be appropriate for the target users. Is there a need for: graphics, including images illustrations video audio animations Interactive activities tools for reflection and collaboration (Blogs, Wikis, Social bookmarking, Virtual conferencing) Technical and accessibility requirements: DET technical specifications for developing online resources

Presentation name v.1007 Preparation for Work and Study (PWS) – numeracy resources project Steps involved in analysing the teaching and learning needs for PWS numeracy resource project: established reference group of key stakeholders researched the target audience low literacy and numeracy skills low confidence limited computer skills wide age range self-paced and teacher assisted identified specific units of competence (checked the unit guides, range statements as well as the elements and performance criteria) began mapping themes to units of competence surveyed teachers using survey monkey (The survey can be accessed at

Presentation name v.1008 Summarise the needs and plan the project Once the needs have been identified: Find the solution (eg, Self-paced learning resource? Collection of existing tools or resources with a learner guide? develop a project planproject plan For PWS numeracy project the teaching and learning resources will include: CD-ROM containing existing resources (for teachers) DVD video for contextual information (for learners) CD-ROM containing activities, printable resources, audio, high level of graphics)