Ithaca College

Howard K. Kalman, Associate Professor Strategic Communication has received the Association for Educational Communications and Technology (AECT) 2017 Qualitative Inquiry Award for his article “Integrating Evaluation and Needs Assessment: A Case Study of an Ergonomics Program” published in Performance Improvement Quarterly, 29(1), pp. 51-69. DOI: 10.1002/piq21214

The award is presented by the Research and Theory Division of AECT, which promotes the development and advancement of theory related to improving instruction through technology. It is an accolade honoring Kalman's work as "exemplary qualitative research recognizing insights into the social and cultural aspects of the educational technology field."    

Kalman's study examined the relationship between evaluation and needs assessment and involved evaluating a 10-year- old ergonomics course, which was one component of a broader organizational change initiative. Data generated for evaluation purposes to improve the course uncovered workplace performance problems that affected the effectiveness of the change initiative. The discussion addressed how a project’s initial framing (i.e., as an evaluation or assessment) can limit a holistic view of the system.

The award will be presented at the AECT annual convention, November 9, 2017.