Mars Of The Mind
Design Document

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Learner Analysis
(This section addresses part of Course Requirement #5)

Data Sources:
The information gathered in this analysis is based on the 3 years of teacher experience with students ranging in ages from 8 to 13. The information is also verified by several subject matter experts in the fields of education, science and computer technology.

Group Profile
General Group Characteristics: The majority of learners in the target population are 5th and 6th grade gifted students. For most, this is not their first encounter with Mars curriculum. Other users of this site may be instructors or curious net surfers. Those interested in the information are of mixed cultural backgrounds and are evenly split in terms of gender.

Education and Ability Level: Because the information is web based, we expect a wide variety of educational and ability levels gathering information and knowledge. However, we would assume (because the site is written for gifted 5th and 6th grade students) that users can read, write, follow simple instructions, have a technology background, and make judgements based on given information.

Entry Behaviors (Prior Skills and Knowledge)
Relative to Content: In terms of content, many have been exposed to the planets in the solar system. More importantly, many have been introduced to the planet Mars. Students read and write at or below 6th grade level.

Relative to Potential Delivery System: A large percentage of students have had access to instruction through use of computers at home or school. Students have experience operating a PC and mouse as well as using word processing and graphic’s applications. Most have some experience with internet, email, and CD-ROM applications.

Attitudes Toward Content and Delivery System (Combined w/ Motivation for Instruction)
Content: Though the principle effort of the program is for outreach endeavors, it is our hope that the content will be suitable for impacting students and teachers in classrooms, gifted student programs, and workshops. Subject Matter Experts agree that the solar system is a highly motivating topic. Therefore, the perceived level of attention, confidence, and satisfaction are anticipated to be high.

Delivery System: In general, learners are interested in experiencing distance education, especially in a computer technology format. National recognition of the Mars Millennium project reinforces the high levels of attention, relevance, confidence, and satisfaction regarding the delivery system.

General Academic Motivation: In terms of learning, most that choose to view the website are highly motivated. Most, if not all, expect to learn about Mars.

Learning Preferences: Most of he learners are familiar with a variety of teaching methodologies including, but not limited to, lecture, question and answer, hands on activities, and modeling. A variety of learning styles such as visual, auditory, etc. are also evident. With increasing influence on instructional methods, many have had the opportunity to learn kinesthetically through technology.

Additional Information Requirements
To complete the Learner Analysis, additional information may be obtained through interviews with the target population. One concern may be the level of confidence learners have based on the web based delivery system.

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