Assignment - Review of change model(s) applied to personal context

Summary

In this assignment you will provide an annotated bibliography (minimum of 10 sources) underpinning a concise review essay of two change models applied to your an educational context that you know.

You are encouraged to share your work as it develops using web tools, and to learn form peers' work. The 2011 offering of EDEM630 produced their work is at http://WikiEducator.org/ Davis(2011).

• Annotated bibliography of 10 sources: 2000 - 3000 words (6 - 10 pages)
• Review essay: 2000 - 3500 words (6 - 10 pages excluding annotated bibliography and references)
• Total marks: 100 expressed as Grade
• Weighting: 100% of Assignment 1 (i.e. 25% of assignment credits for the course)

Key points

Related e-Activities: Annotated Bibliography and Research Topic. Your personal (or internal context) includes the educator, learner and the relevant technology innovation. We recommend that you base your review on your own context and your identified research topic. Change with digital technology involves three key questions: What is the change (technology innovation)? Why is the change important / necessary? How does the change impact on teachers and learners drawing on the published literature on change models to understand the implications of change with digital technology? For more information on the requirements of an academic essay, see Academic essay tip sheet published by Edith Cowan University or Writing academic essays. A guide for students of all nations, by W Badke

Assignment

You are required to apply your knowledge of the theories of change relating to the personal context for your selected topic of interest for the research paper or case study you will be preparing for the final assignment of this course. The assignment includes an annotated bibliography and a review essay.

Annotated bibliography guidelines

1. Prepare an annotated bibliography including a minimum of 10 sources using the suggested format of the Annotated bibliography e-Activity. (If you wish to do that in a different way is OK too)
2. Your bibliography must commence with the heading "Research topic" and a sentence or two summarizing the research topic which has guided your analysis of the literature.
3. Your annotated bibliography must include references from authoritative sources. In this bibliography you are free to include the majority of resources provided in the indicative reading list and learning materials. You bibliography should cite some but not all of the following:
   1. source(s) describing change from the perspective of an ecological framework, e.g. Davis' arena of change with digital technologies in education
   2. source(s) relevant to the change agent such as the Concerns-Based Adoption Model (CBAM) and/or on the Learning/Adoption Trajectory (LAT)
   3. source(s) on techno-centric adoption models such as TAM
   4. sources documenting research on your specific technology innovation or characteristics of technology innovation, e.g. Rogers' characteristics (2003).
   5. studies applying relevant models in peer reviewed literature

Review Essay

The aim of this essay is to develop and demonstrate your knowledge on of two models of change to answer a key question related to your own personal change context in order to demonstrate your ability to apply theory to inform practice.

Prepare an academic essay of 2000 - 3500 words reviewing a change model(s) and applying the literature to your own personal context with reference to an imminent or recent change with digital technology in education. Your essay should reference practical implications for learners and teachers, i.e. the personal or internal "classroom" context.

1. Title: Choose an appropriate title for your review essay
2. Abstract Prepare an abstract of 350 words summarising the topic, key findings and conclusion
3. Introduction: Describe your context of change and research question including:
   • The nature and characteristics of the technology innovation (i.e. the what?)
   • An explanation of the importance and significance of the change for teachers and learners (i.e. the why?).
   • The thesis / or problem statement or research question What is the main idea, point of view or central question you will address in your review of the change model(s)
4. Body: This is the main part of the essay which should cover:
   • A description of the two change models Identify two appropriate model of change which informs your thesis or problem. Summarise each model with appropriate connections to your topic / context. Then contrast and critique.
   • A review of the implications of the change model for your own context. You should cover both strengths and shortcomings or pros and cons of the model(s).
5. Conclusion: Including for example, recommendations for the future or lessons learned.

Assessment rubric

Assessment Dimension	Category	C Level	B Level	A Level	%
Analysis of Literature	Annotated biliography	Minimum of 10 resources included according to the specified division for models (4), technology (3) and other (3). Minimum word count of 150 words per annotation. All annotations include a description of the research. Little evidence of thoughtful evaluation of the the quality of the source or implications for the research topic.	As for C but evidence that the bibliography and annotations have been filtered through the lens of the research topic as evidenced by the evaluation statements.	Learner demostrates scholarly insight into identifying key issues of the published literature as it relates to the research topic. The evaluations demonstrate thorough and detailed attention to the literature findings.	30
Analysis of Literature	Number and selection of sources for the review essay	Relevant sources from annotated bibliography incorporated into essay. At least 4 self-identified sources from peer-reviewed research journals and other reputable sources (i.e. additional sources other than the indicative reading list or references provided in the learning materials). There is some relevance to the topic.	The sources represent a good cross section of research (pros and cons) and are relevant to a selected topic. The quality of sources is clear from the review.	The sources have been judiciously selected to ensure different aspects of the topic are covered. Sources are focused on the chosen topic and context and not merely a list of resources consulted.	10
Analysis of literature	Application of Model (s) in review essay	A relevant model(s) is described, although some may be better developed for some sources than others. Some implications for practice are included. Statements demonstrate an understanding of how the model relates to educational practice. Some statements may be better developed than others.	The model is clear. Well-founded implications for practice have been included for most of the research studies. Statements demonstrate a sound understanding of how the research findings could relate to educational practice in a specific context. Where appropriate the essay has considered the major components of the personal context or justified their inclusion / or exclusion.	The model is clear, concise and demonstrates a good understanding of the important aspects. The implications for practice are clearly written with citations, concise and demonstrate a strong understanding of how it could inform educational practice in a chosen setting. Where relevant, the author considers “both sides” of the argument with support from the literature. References to other studies/literature not provided in the annotated bibliography may be included.	20
Critique and debate	Integration into review essay	The review of 2000 - 3500 words includes an abstract of 300-350 words that draws together key findings from the selected sources and makes some connection to the topic. Superficial or practical elements rather than deeper engagement with concepts and ideas. The essay contains a conclusion drawing on some of the review findings.	In addition to meeting the word guidelines, the review and abstract demonstrates an ability to analyse and compare literature in the context of a focused thesis or research question. The analysis relates to key themes or concepts to the topic in a way which demonstrates some critical engagement with the literature. There is a logical connection between the conclusion and preceding review without missing key recommendations.	The review and abstract follows the word guidelines and demonstrates a clear and critical understanding of the different aspects. The research question is clear, unambigous and relevant. Clever and insightful inclusion of intext citations to support assertions. The author strikes the appropriate balance between breadth and depth for the review. Research that complements, confirms or contradicts is noted.	30
Communication	Mechanics and writing	The review and annotated bibliography follow the guidelines for structure and content. The sources are referenced in correct APA formatting with only a few errors; syntax, typographical or spelling errors do not detract from the message.	In addition to that required for a C, the writing is clear and is competently constructed to inform educators with all sources and opinions acknowledged. No spelling syntax or typographical errors.	The review and bibliography is well constructed, straightforward, clear and of value to peers. The formatting follows APA and the work is accurate. The level of writing is consistently high.	10