The Steps in Forming an Innovation Cohort: Support and Examples
Step 1 Genesis of a Cohort: The genesis of a cohort begins when the cohort team comes together to discuss and generate ideas.
Typically, a faculty member lacks technology skills necessary to bring an idea to fruition and the time required to develop these skills. The model provides an opportunity for faculty to form a cohort with pre-service teachers and others to address their needs. While the faculty member often serves as the catalyst, in some cases an idea spontaneously arises when a group of students and faculty meet in a gathering. (Brief Example)
Step 2 Consultation with Experts: Once the cohorts form their ideas, they consult with Learning Generation personnel, which consists of faculty members, staff and graduate students with expertise in instructional technology, to discuss the feasibility and refine initial ideas.
This consultation allows technology experts with the Learning Generation project to provide advice, identify similar projects from which to learn, recommend technology solutions and help the new cohort team avoid potential problems that arise when a cohort takes on ambitious tasks. (Brief Example)
Step 3 Develop a Plan: After consultation, the cohort then develops a plan that articulates the vision, membership, goals, support needs, timeline, deliverables and evaluation strategies. This plan becomes the framework for the cohort's activities.
The planning phase is crucial because it provides the cohort with guidance and a sense of cohesion. During the planning phase the Technology Infusion Group (TIG) support group provides cohort web space where they document their work. (Brief Example)
Support Documents:
- Planning and Implementing an Innovation Cohort
- Example of a Cohort Plan
Step 4 Initiation of Plan: The cohort's plan is submitted to the reviewer or review committee. The reviewers makes recommendations, negotiate deliverables, time line, and support. When the cohort plan is approved, the cohort representative(s)meets with a member of the Technology Infusion Group (TIG) to make sure the project is understood and that the support package is created. (Brief Example)
Step 5 Action: Once the plan is developed, the cohorts enter the action phase where work begins according to their plan. The teacher education student(s) often serve as the engine for the action. Cohort members meet regularly and share products through their website. The cohort's products remain publicly available beyond the active phase as one way to sustain the cohort's innovation. (Brief Example)
Step6 Assess Results: As a cohort concludes its action phase it implements assessment strategies as specified in the plan. During the assessment phase the cohort analyzes the group process and the final products.
Each cohort is encouraged to share details of the assessment on the web site. Assessment assists the cohort members in understanding the salient aspects of the process and the functioning of the cohort. The assessment phase also provides insights for refining the overall cohort process. (Brief Example)
Step 7 Celebrating and Showcasing the Results: The cohort has a celebration following the completion of the plan, which gives the cohort an opportunity to share their work. Celebrations may take the form of a product release, a round table discussion, showcase or conference presentation. The celebration also communicates the innovation and encourages others to form cohorts. The celebration helps culminate the cohort's efforts and acknowledges the significance of the cohort's accomplishments. (Brief Example)
Support Documents:
Conferences | Organizations | Journal
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