Evaluation Project Part 1

Evaluation vs Research

It is sometimes helpful to think about a topic using metaphors, and so when considering research and evaluation, it may be helpful to think about a tree that grows outside (as most do) and trees that grow inside (as some do). Keeping in mind that no metaphor is perfect, it's important to note how these contrasting images might help inform your perspective of how research and evaluation are similar and how they are different. It's important to keep these distinct because, as a professional in educational technology, you will undoubtedly encounter people who talk about evaluation and research as synonyms, but they simply are not. And it might even be true that someone asks you to participate in research (when they mean evaluation) or in an evaluation (when what they are doing is research). Again, making sure you understand the difference helps you manage the process and expectations.

But rather than providing an explanation of how one picture represents research and the other evaluation, you'll be asked to do so in the near future (hint: there is no right answer, but you must provide a sound rationale for it!)

Evaluation as a Profession

We will also take time in this module to explore evaluation not just as something one does as part of her or his job, but something one does a profession, or at least as a key component of their responsibilities. Some people, especially veteran teachers, trainers, or designers, often do not take full stock of their experience. Really, it is quite valuable, especially when any number of novices are trying to implement some new plan or learning technology that has either been tried before (or something a lot like it). It would seem, then, that any number of opportunities exist for an expert to provide insights. Combined with the skill of planning evaluation, such a person would be invaluable in helping a school, district, or organization take a closer look at what they have been doing. So, in this module, take time to do some reading about what "evaluation as a business" might entail. Who knows? You might very well wind up exploring this as a "side hustle," if not a career option!