Mager
(1997) provides us with guidelines for writing effective objectives by
identifying 3 components of an effective objective and 3 issues that should be
considered when writing objectives.
Think About It Activity 4.2
Answer True or False. The stated objective is effective.
Objective 1: Students will develop an
appreciation of Web 2.0 technology for course design is a good objective.
True
False
Incorrect!
Correct!
Answer: False.
This objective is abstract and is not directly
observable. According to Mager (1997) an objective should answer the question,
"What will the learner be DOING when demonstrating achievement of the
objective?" If you apply this question, what would the learner be doing if
they were "appreciating" Web 2.0 technology? A measurable or observable
objective may be: The learner will implement Web 2.0 technology in the creation
of his or her web-based ISD instructional unit.
Objective 2: Students will develop a 10-minute video presentation
and post it on the class bulletin board is a poorly written objective.
True
False
Correct!
Incorrect!
True AND False.
This
objective may not be poor, but it could be improved. Although this objective is
directly observable, it could be improved by specifying conditions, that is, a
description of the circumstances in which the task will be performed and a
description of the available resources and tool. An example of objectives with
conditions is given a web-camera, video capturing software, and a computer
operating system, the learner will produce a 10-minute video presentation to post
on the web. The performance is to occur with the use of specified items - these
are the conditions that may influence the nature of the performance.) One author once described it like this. The
stated objective is travel from New York to Washington DC in two hours. You
could probably do that - if you were on a plane. However, what if the objective
were stated like this: Given an
automobile, travel from New York to Washington DC in two hours. Or this:
Using your own two feet, travel
from New York to Washington DC in two hours. Identifying tools can be important
to ensure that the objective is feasible.