Recording an Observation

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The observation framework on the handheld mirrors that of the PC, but the presentation is a little different due to differences in the types of controls available and the size of the screen. Below is a summary of screens that would be used in a typical observation. (See Observation Item Types in the PC section to compare the PC and handheld controls.)

Starting an Observation When the program is started, this screen appears so you can select a teacher and begin an observation. After selecting the teacher, grade, subject, date, and time, tap the Begin button to start the observation.
Select an Area Main areas to observe are selected from the Areas drop-down list. The one selected here, Teaching and Learning, has sub-areas to further define the observation. (Areas can also be defined without sub-areas. See Creating an Observation Set) Observation areas and sub-areas can display three different types of controls. Tapping on a choice will take you to a screen like the ones shown in the following shots, where you can enter data. When you are finished with a screen, tap the Back button to return to this screen and select a different area or sub-area. When you are finished visiting areas and sub-areas, tap the Finish button.
No/Yes No/Yes choices indicate that items either were evident or not. Use of No/Yes items is better suited to areas that you feel are mandatory.
Check List A check list is used to show which items within a set were observed. This type of display is best suited to indicate multiple choices within a set of items, where not all items are mandatory.
Single Choice A drop-down list is used to select a single item from a list of choices.