Using the SECTIONS Model to Evaluate a Tool

This Activity was created February 5, 2018 by Ontario Extend (@extend)

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Module: Technologist

Now that you have selected the technology that you will integrate into your teaching and learning, it is good practice to assess its fit beyond your learner challenge definition, to include other factors around support requirements.

A helpful framework to guide this assessment is the SECTIONS model, developed by Tony Bates and shown here. It is one of many frameworks that can help you make effective decisions about the choice and use of technology (and media) for teaching and learning.

It is important to note that while the design thinking around technology integration is learner-focused, it is also important to ensure that the tool you’ve selected is a good fit for your students, course, program and institution and the SECTIONS model can help with this.

Chapter 8 of the open textbook Teaching in a Digital Age, by the SECTIONS developer and author Dr. Tony Bates, provides a full description of the model.

The SECTIONS Model by Anthony William Bates is licensed under CC BY-NC

See also a SECTIONS planning framework out of UBC which may help provide additional details and guidance on its use.

Map your chosen technology to the SECTIONS model through thus“Map your technology to the SECTIONS model” exercise.

Once you have completed all of the steps, choose the “Export Text” button to save your work as a Microsoft Word file.

In your response to this activity, upload your exported text from the SECTIONS Model tool or provide a URL to your work’s location.

This activity is part of the Ideate section of the Technologist Module.

Image credit "Trivial Pursuit" flickr photo by jameelwinter https://flickr.com/photos/jameelwinter/5362054632 shared under a Creative Commons (BY) license

Example for "Using the SECTIONS Model to Evaluate a Tool":
http://extending.hjdewaard.ca/2018/05/which-tool-to-use/

Which Tool To Use?

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98 Responses for this Activity

SECTIONS Model Activity – Flipgrid
by Rob Harrison (@Rob H)

Attached is my SECTIONS Model review of the tool I propose to use to resolve my learner challenge.
Sections model
by Cynthia Gordon (@cynthia.gordon)

Attached is my response to the sections model for witeboard.com
SECTIONS model
by Jenn Harren (@j_harren)

This is a great way to detail out how my challenge can be overcome in detail and into action.
Using the SECTIONS model to evaluate a collaborative technology
by Wesley Butler (@wbutler925)

My technology would consider the use of different devices to which students may or may not have access, mainly those living in rural communities or out of the country. We would discuss possible issues created by using the technology to complete coursework and achieve learning outcomes, and provide alternatives, if necessary.
Using the SECTIONS Model to Evaluate a Tool
by Brian Percheson (@bpercheson)

I used the SECTIONS Model to evaluate a technology tool, especially with rural needs in mind. Simply put, we discuss possible setbacks that rural communities may have, not to omit the technology, but to make accommodations as much as possible so that we can use it practically. Technology benefits everyone and if it’s not accessible more… »
Map Your Technology to the SECTIONS Model
by Rhonda Paulsen (@RPaulsen)

My responses to mapping my chosen technology to the SECTIONS Model shows that it is convenient, mostly easy to use, and facilitates the teaching and learning in my courses.
Sections Model – Digital Images
by Maria Romios (@MariaR)

The SECTIONS model was extremely useful and helped me consider many of the areas (Security/Privacy, Organizational Issues) at a deeper level. Areas like Cost and Ease of Use were more at the forefront of my mind as I know this directly effects accessibility and ability to complete the task. I think things like ‘Universal Design’ more… »
Sections Model to evaluate Jamboard
by Karyn Baker (@Karyn Baker)

This was a really good exercise. I think I will still go ahead with using Jamboard for an interactive and collaborative exercise. I found it so easy to use but yet it is not supportive by our organization.
Using SECTIONS to Evaluate Quizlet
by Karen Burns (@karen.burns)

My goal is to find technology that will add value for both synchronized and asynchronized learners. I evaluated Quizlet as I think it offers benefits for both learning styles. It is interactive, which makes learning more enjoyable for the independent learner and can also be used for collaborative learners in a virtual class session. In more… »
Using OneNote for Faculty Sharing
by Julie White (@JulieSLC)

I think this is a great tool to use when considering the adoption of new technology in the classroom!

3 Resources for this Activity

Assessing Technology Using the Sections Model (UBC Centre for Teaching, Learning, and Technology)
shared by Alan Levine (@cogdogblog)

An illustrated framework and guide for using the SECTIONS model
Chapter 8: Choosing and using media in education: the SECTIONS model (Teaching and Learning in a Digital Age)
shared by Alan Levine (@cogdogblog)

Chapter 8 of Dr Tony Bates’s book describes the SECTIONS model
SECTIONS model
shared by Carrie Barrett (@Carrie)

Responses to SECTION questions as part of Ideate module.