After reviewing my E-Portfolio ,my decision for  the design topic was influenced because I was intrigued that the use of collaborative tools can encourage learners to become more self-directed. Learning environments for adults based on constructivism include opportunities for them to make meaningful connections through discovery (Taber,2011).The methods used by Andragogy as well as constructivist approaches such as discussion forums, wikis and blogs can be used in E-Learning environments help learners to construct knowledge and has changed the manner in which adult learners collaborate and share learning materials(Smith,2010).

DesignTopic

To design an Online Learning Course using a Learning Management System to train Mathematics teachers in a Secondary School in Barbados in the Trigonometry component of the CSEC Mathematics Syllabus.

Core Interests

Online Learning Spaces,Learning Management Systems, Online Learning ,E-Learning Constructivism,Self Directed Learning and Andragogy

                                        Click here for my Timeline for Design Project.

Introduction and Background

GSS Secondary School has a Mathematics departmental staff of Ten (10) teachers who serve (twelve hundred) 1200 students. In September 2016, The Ministry of Barbados through international investors donated US$30000 for School Improvement Project .The principal supports staff by encouraging professional training and has allocated US$5000 to each department. Each teacher of the Mathematics Department possesses a laptop and a tablet issued by the school.After receiving and analysis report of CSEC Mathematics results for the years 2010-2015 the Head of Department wants the teachers trained in instructional strategies .

Design Problem

The use of the E-Learning by the teachers of the Mathematics Department is non-existent .As a result, the students at GSS are performing below the required standard as reported by Caribbean Examinations Council in CSEC Mathematics as they are not attempting any of the Trigonometry questions on the examination paper . The use of technology has been supported by the administration with the presence of three (3) computer labs consisting of forty (40) computers each and the purchase of thirty (40) tablets and working internet access and wifi . In addition, each teacher possesses a laptop. However, although the teachers are Subject Matter Experts in Mathematics and possess the knowledge of Trigonometry and technology use and they are only experienced in a physical classroom environment and face to face learning strategies when teaching Trigonometry and use the technology to only display three-dimensional shapes via a multimedia project on the whiteboard.

Description of Target Audience -Teachers

The average age range of the Mathematics teachers at GSS is twenty-five to forty years. Teachers at GSS are highly qualified with all of them in the Mathematics department holding degrees in Mathematics and Information Technology and trained in the Diploma in Education in Mathematics .

Rational

Provide training which will help Mathematics Teachers to acquire E-Learning  strategies to teach Trigonometry effectively.

Exposing teachers to E-Learning Strategies.

Improving the learning experience of Mathematics Teachers .

Instructional Goal

To design an Online Learning Course for Secondary Mathematics teachers at GSS Secondary School training them in Trigonometry Component of the CSEC Syllabus .

References

Smith, M. K. (2010) 'Andragogy', the encyclopaedia of informal education. Retrieved: 3/12/2016

Taber, K. S. (2011). Constructivism as educational theory: Contingency in learning, and optimally guided instruction. In J. Hassaskhah (Ed.), Educational Theory (pp. 39–61). New York: Nova. Available from https://camtools.cam.ac.uk/wiki/eclipse/Constructivism.html