Online Professional Development Efficacy Study Infographic
In 2014, elearning provider CypherWorx, sought to provide a better alternative to early care and education training by developing the Out of School Time Professional Development Center (OSTPD). 36 courses were designed to meet learning objectives derived directly from the National Afterschool Association Core Knowledge Content Areas and Competencies for Afterschool and Youth Development Professionals competencies.
Roberta Newman, a leader in education and youth development programs for more than 35 years, was enlisted to assist in the development of the OSTPD. Newman has worked as a school administrator at all levels, and directed a comprehensive school-age program for Fairfax County, Virginia. Given her broad experience, Newman knows what real life is like in a wide range of settings serving children, youth, and families. Her expertise provided the foundation for the creation of a broad range of professional development courses.
In order to assess the courses, CypherWorx conducted an efficacy study in partnership with Excel Beyond the Bell – San Antonio. The results were sent for analysis by Dr. James Marshall, faculty member in the Department of Learning Design and Technology at San Diego State, whose research focuses on the relationship between e-learning product design and the results it achieves.
The efficacy study asked 147 professionals to complete six eLearning courses, focusing on critical early care and education skills. The participants were chosen to represent a wide range of experience, from organizations of varying sizes. Pre- and post-test instruments were developed to assess participant knowledge prior to, and following completion of, each course.
Dr. Bell found that, on average, participants increased their knowledge in each of the six courses, with statistically significant difference. Of special interest was that the data revealed that while performance on the pretest often varied based on key demographics, posttest scores proved consistent regardless of age, gender, level of education, years in the profession, or computer skills.
For more information about CypherWorx and the Out of School Time Professional Development Certificate Series, visit ostpd.com.
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