Academic Catalog

LINC 91A: INTRODUCTION TO ASSESSING INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNOLOGY

Foothill College Course Outline of Record

Foothill College Course Outline of Record
Heading Value
Effective Term: Fall 2026
Units: 3
Hours: 3 lecture per week (36 total per quarter)
Advisory: Basic skills using standard computer systems and internet-based technologies.
Degree & Credit Status: Degree-Applicable Credit Course
Foothill GE: Non-GE
Transferable: CSU
Grade Type: Letter Grade (Request for Pass/No Pass)
Repeatability: Not Repeatable

Student Learning Outcomes

  • Apply research strategies to measure outcomes for learners, instruction, and instructional programs

Description

This introductory course in assessing instructional technologies is for students, educators, and trainers interested in instructional design and technology. Students develop critical thinking skills and use evaluation processes, resources, and instruments to select and evaluate equitable, accessible, culturally responsive instructional materials, technologies, resources, and programs that meet specific learning outcomes for educational and training contexts. Coursework includes using technology to conduct survey research and basic data analysis.

Course Objectives

The student will be able to:

  1. Describe the basics of evaluation processes and research for instructional technology
  2. Apply critical thinking skills
  3. Use quantitative evaluation strategies
  4. Use qualitative evaluation strategies
  5. Use action research
  6. Describe application of research methodologies to instructional design and technology
  7. Apply research strategies to measure outcomes for learners, instruction, and instructional programs
  8. Assess and select instructional technology tools and resources for research
  9. Create an assessment instrument
  10. Analyze data for instructional design purposes
  11. Explain the ethical standards of educational research

Course Content

  1. The basics of instructional technology evaluation
    1. Research problem
    2. Variables and hypotheses
    3. Sampling
    4. Instrumentation
    5. Validity and reliability
    6. Evaluation, assessment, and testing
  2. Critical thinking
    1. Observation
    2. Compare and contrast items and topics
    3. Discuss and analyze items and topics
    4. Encourage collaboration in the analysis process that elevates diverse perspectives and ensures equitable participation
    5. Facilitate open-ended discussion
    6. Practice Socratic method
    7. Use argument analysis
  3. Quantitative evaluation strategies
    1. Experimental research
    2. Survey research
    3. How to use quantitative research in instructional technology
  4. Qualitative evaluation strategies
    1. Observation, interviews, focus groups
    2. Content analysis
    3. How to use qualitative research in instructional technology
  5. Action research
    1. Practical research methods and strategies
    2. How to use action research in instructional technology
  6. Choosing a research methodology to evaluate instructional technology
    1. Formative and summative assessment
    2. Kirkpatrick's Four Levels of Evaluation
  7. Apply research strategies to measure outcomes for learners, instruction, and instructional programs
    1. Learner analysis techniques
    2. Assessing instructional outcomes for an activity, lesson, or unit of learning
    3. Evaluating outcomes of instructional programs
  8. Assess and select instructional technology tools and resources for evaluation
    1. Paper and digitally accessible survey instruments
    2. Online resources for data collection
    3. Computer-based methods
  9. Create an assessment instrument
    1. Compare instruments and contexts for use
    2. Compare delivery media
    3. Collecting data
  10. Analyze data for instructional design purposes
    1. Demographic data
    2. Preferences data
    3. Evaluative data
  11. Explain the ethical standards of educational research
    1. Value of research
    2. Scientific validity
    3. Fair subject selection
    4. Informed consent
    5. Confidentiality

Lab Content

Not applicable.

Special Facilities and/or Equipment

When taught via the internet: Students must have current email accounts and/or ongoing access to internet-capable computers or tablets.

Method(s) of Evaluation

Methods of Evaluation may include but are not limited to the following:

Designing and developing an evaluation plan and instrument for instructional technologies
Presenting the evaluation instrument and plan to peers, capturing feedback with attention to inclusivity and accessibility, and using it to revise the product or project
Making constructive contributions to class discussions and peer review feedback

Method(s) of Instruction

Methods of Instruction may include but are not limited to the following:

The student will engage with course concepts through multimodal instructional materials offered in accessible formats, supplying multiple means of representation
The student will observe instructor-guided demonstrations and then apply skills using a modality of their choice (e.g., digital, visual, or written), providing multiple means of action and expression
The student will co-construct knowledge by participating in synchronous or asynchronous discussions, peer feedback, and collaborative activities that honor diverse cultural and linguistic assets, ensuring multiple means of engagement

Representative Text(s) and Other Materials

Fitzpatrick, Jody L., James R. Sanders, Blaine R. Worthen, and Lori A. Wingate. Program Evaluation: Alternative Approaches and Practical Guidelines, 5th ed.. 2022.

Types and/or Examples of Required Reading, Writing, and Outside of Class Assignments

  1. Writing assignments include a major course project and multiple developmental projects, online discussion response, and critical analysis of peers' educational projects.
  2. Outside assignments include conducting project development, writing the instructional plan, reading, and developing the project through an iterative process.

When taught online, these methods may take the form of video, audio, animation, and webpage presentations. Writing assignments are completed online.

Discipline(s)

Instructional Design/Technology