Mars Of The Mind
Design Document
Context 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.

Performance Context
Learners navigate to the website from a variety of standpoints. Many navigate here based on their own intentions while others are involved in gifted programs, Alpha, and a variety of outreach endeavors. Many may navigate to the material for information to aid in research or instruction.

Learning Context
(Nature and Number of Sites)
Number: The material will be provided via the internet. Therefore, the number of sites is based on the number of learners interested in the material. However, 5th and 6th grade students enrolled in Alpha (a gifted and talented program) will be accessing the information from their school computer lab.
Facilities: Again, the facilities will differ depending on who is navigating the site. It is to be expected that users will interact with material on-line through home, office, and school.
Resources: The Mars of the Mind project is predominately web-based, interactive material based on learner-centered activities and information. However, the site will include ways to e-mail with Mars scientists as well as contain links to Mars activities, images, and presentations.
Constraints: The speed at which learners can access information will vary depending on the speed of their modems. It is unclear as to whether or not all interested in the curriculum will have the appropriate hardware and software necessary to access the information on-line through their own personal use. However, Alpha students may access the information with ease in the school’s computing facility.

Site Compatibility with Instructional / Learner Needs
Online interactions with the WWW will be used. Initial projections on learning time for the instructional goal is 1 - 1 ½ hours.
It is assumed that most learners will access the on-line program via their computer classrooms. The computer to student ratio is even. However, many may access the site from work or home. The availability of equipment at home or work may vary by learner.
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