SECTIONS Analysis

SECTIONS is a framework for selecting and using technology.

The MDDE 620 course was my first exposure to SECTIONS; however, my first exposure of the framework used to selecting technology was ACTIONS.  A.W. Bates initially developed the ACTIONS model in 1988. The ACTIONS Model introduced in MDDE 620 was the initial model used as a strategic method or a guide to aid in the decision making process of selecting and determining appropriate use for technologies for distance education. As I began reading this unit's literature, A Framework for selecting and using technology, by A.W. Bates and G. Poole, it was obvious the ACTIONS framework has been revamped and is now called SECTIONS.

S - Student

E - Ease of Use and reliability

C - Costs

T - Teaching and Learning

I - Interactivity

O - Organizational issues

N - Novelty

S - Speed 

The above SECTIONS framework contains criteria for a series of questions to be answered under each heading. This unit identified that each part of the model is defined by either independent or dependent factors such as:  students, organization and environment, or by the particular technology.

Independent vs. Dependent

When selecting new technology for a program or course within an institution the S - Students, T - Teaching and Learning, and O - Organization parts of the model are considered independent from the specific technology being considered. For instance, a new technology does not change the target group or potential student’s characteristics, instructional approaches, or the organization. However, E - Ease, C- Costs, I - Interactivity, N - Novelty, and S-Speed are considered the depend parts of the model. Each of these parts differs from one technology to the next.

Assignment 2 required students to choose a course that requires new technology; then by using the SECTIONS model apply the Bates model to each of the new technologies introduced throughout the course.  As a result of evaluating many technologies, I have developed a strong understanding of the process of using the SECTIONS framework.

Bates, A. W., & Poole, G. (2003). A framework for selecting and using technology. In Effective teaching with technology in higher education (pp. 75-105). San Francisco: Jossey Bass.