Context Analysis
1. What are the characteristics of the teachers/trainers
who will be using these materials?
Teachers/trainers that use these instructions must be technology
savvy and have some background in object-oriented programming
and Macromedia Flash MX. They must also have a positive feeling
towards teaching/training with computers and multimedia learning.
2. Are there existing curricula into which this piece
of instruction must fit? If so, what is the philosophy, strategy,
or theory used in these materials?
In order for this instruction to fit into existent curricula,
programmers must have some kind of programming background. Whether
it’s C++, BASIC, JavaScript, Java, or Perl, programmers
must understand some programming language or at least grasp the
concepts of programming structures. Their previous programming
experience could be procedural, modular, or object-oriented programming.
3. What hardware is commonly available in the potential
learning environments? Are there video playback machines, and
what are their formats? Are computer workstations available? If
so, what kind, how many, and in what configurations and networks?
What about slide or overhead projectors? What software and other
materials are available?
Computer workstations are available in the learning environment.
All of the computers are PC-based. There are no Apple-based computers.
Most computers are equipped with at least a Pentium II processor
with 128 MB of RAM. The software that’s installed in most
computers includes Microsoft office, Adobe Photoshop, Macromedia
Flash, Macromedia Authorware, and Windows Media Player 7. All
of the computers are connected to a local area network (LAN),
and have internet connections with T1 speed. Overhead projectors
are also available in the learning environment. The LCD projector
allows for projection from a computer screen to a wider screen
view.
4. What are the characteristics of the classes and facilities
that will use the new instruction?
The size of the room for the new instruction is approximately
40ft X 20ft. There will be a markerboard for lecturing and writing
down notes. Computers equipped with Macromedia flash MX will also
be used. This will allow programmers to take notes and try out
some of the examples from the instruction.
5. What are the characteristics of the school system or
organization in which the new instruction will take place?
AST is a software development company that specializes in computer-based
training for private and commercial customers. One of the goals
of AST is deliver training that is fast, functional, appealing
and can run in different platforms seamlessly. AST’s development
team has just finished building a model that fits those requirements.
This model allows training to be viewed on the web or CD-ROM without
hardly changing anything with the content. With this new model
comes a tough challenge, and that’s educating other developers
and programmers on using this model.
Dr. Miller, director of development, has full support of teaching/training
programmers on this new technology.
Mrs. Gaines, senior programmer, has full support of teaching/training
programmers on this new technology.
6. What is the philosophy and what are the taboos of
the larger community in which the organization or school system
exists?
Although object-oriented programming is an advantageous computer
language, we mustn’t leave out the advantages of other computer
languages as well. Learners should realize that OOP is not always
the best language for all situations. By ignoring the other languages,
traditional programmers will feel that they’ve wasted their
time using a worthless type of programming.
7. What other environmental factors are important for
your project and why?
Other environmental factors that are important could include
telephones, cell phones, and the intercom. These devices can distract
learners from the instruction. Disabling these devices during
instructions will allow programmers to listen and understand more
effectively. Another environmental factor is people that are in
the same room where the instruction is taking place and is not
part of the learning environment. These individuals should be
re-located in another room. If relocation is not possible, then
these people should be given prior notice to not distract learners
that are part of the instruction.
