As part of the exercise the student has to explore one instructional website and one LibGuide site, use Jing to create annotated screen shots and answer the following questions:
It is obvious that the Understand part of the USER method has been completed. The creators of the website obviously identified a problem and analyzed the scenario (English teachers in need of assistance with lesson plans).
The Structure part of the USER method is also present- the creators of the website have outlined their goals ( to help English teachers) and identified a method to do so ( through the creation of this website)
The Engage part is represented by developing all of these educational materials. As it was mentioned earlier, the site is powered by the brains of a team of experts in the field ( educators and authors). The instruction is delivered through the website's content again, providing the users with plenty of opportunities to learn, explore and improve their teaching methods through the use of the resources available at their disposal.
The Reflection part is most difficult to prove it exists. We can assume, that this creators of the website are doing assessment, otherwise there would not have been any of the feedback options available. The users can comment, rate and write e-mails to the creators to share their opinion and help improve the website. Based on these observations we have to assume that revision and reuse of the materials is present as well. Therefore, we draw the conclusion that a USER method is used.
- Are there features that make the site easier to use?
- Do they suggest a standardized approach in terms of help, navigation, icons, layout, learning options (text, video, podcast, etc.)?
- Do you think the creator of the site used an instructional design model like USER (Booth, 2011)?
It is obvious that the Understand part of the USER method has been completed. The creators of the website obviously identified a problem and analyzed the scenario (English teachers in need of assistance with lesson plans).
The Structure part of the USER method is also present- the creators of the website have outlined their goals ( to help English teachers) and identified a method to do so ( through the creation of this website)
The Engage part is represented by developing all of these educational materials. As it was mentioned earlier, the site is powered by the brains of a team of experts in the field ( educators and authors). The instruction is delivered through the website's content again, providing the users with plenty of opportunities to learn, explore and improve their teaching methods through the use of the resources available at their disposal.
The Reflection part is most difficult to prove it exists. We can assume, that this creators of the website are doing assessment, otherwise there would not have been any of the feedback options available. The users can comment, rate and write e-mails to the creators to share their opinion and help improve the website. Based on these observations we have to assume that revision and reuse of the materials is present as well. Therefore, we draw the conclusion that a USER method is used.
- If not, how could the design have been strengthened through the use of USER?