Using the SECTIONS Model to Evaluate a Tool

Using the SECTIONS Model to Evaluate a Tool

This Activity was created by Ontario Extend (@extend)

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Module:

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.

For this activity we will use the SECTIONS model framework developed by Tony Bates and shown here for reference. 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.

Technology and media selection SECTIONS model.
The SECTIONS Model by Anthony William Bates
is licensed under CC BY-NC.

To do:

  1. Map your chosen technology to the SECTIONS model through the “Map your technology to the SECTIONS model” exercise below. Enter your answers directly into the blank spaces.
  2. Click the right pointing arrow beside 1/9 to advance to the next step of the SECTIONS process. Once you advance past the first step you will get a left arrow you can use to go back to another step if you need to review your answers.
  3. Once you have completed all of the steps, choose the “Export Text” button to save your work as a Microsoft Word file.
  4. In your response to this activity, upload your exported text from the SECTIONS Model tool or provide a shareable link to your work’s location.
  5. After you make your submission, save the web address to your response (found in the green confirmation box) so you can use it later for your badge submission form.

 

 Additional Resources

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

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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151 Responses for this Activity

  • Sections Model activity
    by Victoria Jackson (@victoriaj)

    I have uploaded my sections model activity

  • Technology to help with attendance – Brightspace!
    by Mark Shannelly (@mshannelly)

    I have used Brightspace by D2L as my technology example that can help with attendance. Instead of fighting it and forcing students to be in person, I am adapting course material to allow for “digital” versions.

  • Technologist H5P
    by Mary Chaktsiris (@mchaktsi)

    I chose a video capture software that is available through my institution.

  • Using the SECTIONS Model to Evaluate a Tool
    by Ramandeep Kaur (@Raman)

    The technology I have chosen is Zoom. It is easy to use and institutional support is available.

  • Zoom to increase attendance
    by Adam Langridge (@alangridge)

    I chose Zoom to allow student to attend class virtually in the hopes that overall attendance would increase. It seems to be a popular technology for this activity!

  • SECTIONS Evaluation
    by Susan (@Susan Wilks)

    The technology I chose is Zoom.  Some staff are struggling to get used to a new document management system, and require support and coaching in how to effectively use the new platform.  Virtual training sessions allow the trainers to meet with the learners.  Through screen sharing of the learner’s screen,  the trainer can coach the more… »

  • Old Technology, New Use
    by Miranda Mckenzie (@mx_mckenzie)

    The chosen technology is Zoom; while it’s common and mainly used for videoconferencing, the purpose here is to start learning and using more of the Zoom tools in order to better support instructors in their teaching but also students in their learning.

  • Adding Podcast as a possible research output (for those who don’t want to write an essay)
    by Jen Booth (@jen.booth)

    My technology was pretty simple – the humble podcast. Because there are so many readily available ways to record a podcast, I could have perhaps focused on editing software, but I’m not sure how much of that my students will need/want to do. So, I do mention it in my H5P Sections response but focus more… »

  • To H5P or not to H5P, that is the question.
    by Stephanie Ferguson (@stpark)

    I basically went through the SECTIONS model in my head to evaluate two other tools before landing on H5P to evaluate here. I kind of wish this activity included the trial and error process I went through because although filling this in was still helpful, it felt like a bit of an afterthought once I more… »

  • The SECTIONS model for evaluating tools
    by Roberta Wyder (@rwyder)

    I chose to analyze the ProQuest platform – one of my favourite resources! One of the barriers I (personally) have found with studying / finding resources for students is that many options require payment to access. I believe folks should receive fair compensation for their work, but also would love to see a world where more… »

    3 Resources for this Activity

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    6 Responses to “Using the SECTIONS Model to Evaluate a Tool”

    1. Martina Kolodzey

      I would like to create an interactive video with exercises from H5P to help students become familiar with the online learning environment.

      Reply

    4. DR FREDRICK ODONDO OLUM

      I have decided to use you tube to address my learner challenges.

      Reply

    Trackbacks/Pingbacks

    1.  SECTIONS – Data Analytics
    2.  Weekly Reflection Blog Post-Week 5 – A To Zed for New Teachers

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